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cavalier sports 8 CAVALIER CORNER Crofts started all 17 matches last fall, and led UVA in both points (14) and assists (six). PHOTO COURTESY UVA T hird-year forward Nathaniel Crofts started all 38 games for the UVA men's soccer squad his first two years on Grounds, and is coming off a career year. Last fall, he led Virginia in points (14) and assists (six), and was one of only three players in the ACC with two multi-assist games. The Sheffield, England, native also was third on the team with four goals, including a game-winner in the NCAA Tournament win over Furman. In fact, he scored both of UVA's markers in that vic- tory, becoming the 13th Cavalier ever with a multi-goal game in the NCAA Tournament and the first since 2009. Cavalier Corner: What were the factors in your decision to travel from England to Charlottesville? Crofts: "There are many factors that made me decide to enroll at UVA, one being a change of scenery. I felt my time had come in England for me to move away. I felt I needed to challenge myself. Another factor was the coaching staff especially the recruiting coach, Terry Boss, at the time. "He video chatted me every day when I was in England to share his thoughts on UVA and Charlottesville in general. Upon arriving at UVA, Terry gave me a tour of all the fantastic facilities. "It stood out to me that this could be the place for me to improve, not only as an athlete but as a student and person." Cavalier Corner: You played club soccer for Sheffield United. How did that help you improve your game in order to play in the ACC? Crofts: "Playing for Sheffield United, which is in the Premier League, really helped me improve my basic soccer skills. I would play against other big clubs in England, so the bar was set very high from a young age. "I was there for two years and every day I wanted to get better. They had the staff and the right players around me to help me with that. If I needed anything, they would provide it for me. "Having this support from such a big club meant a lot to me. They supported my move to the U.S. and wished me all the luck in the world." Cavalier Corner: You scored twice in the final 12:24 to give Virginia a 2-0 victory over Furman in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament. What were your expectations for the round of 16 [a 1-0 overtime loss at ACC rival Notre Dame]? Crofts: "My expectations after beating Furman were to keep the winning streak going. I put a lot of pressure on myself because I have a high sense of competitive confidence to play well every game. I hoped we would play at the same intensity level in the next round. "I also expected my teammates to have the same positive mindset as me. In doing so, we all would be on the same page and it would help encourage us to proceed further into the next game." Cavalier Corner: Describe your frustration after Notre Dame eliminated UVA. Crofts: "The frustration after the Notre Dame game was some- thing I hope never to experience again. What made it worse was they scored on the very last kick in OT. "I couldn't do anything about it because I came off the field injured. To see my teammates fight without me definitely was frus- trating." Cavalier Corner: What is something about you that people might not know? Crofts: "I definitely have a sweet tooth. My closest friends will tell you my favorite dessert is cheesecake." — Mike Scandura five questions with Third-Year Men's Soccer Forward Nathaniel Crofts