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OCTOBER 2023 23 pressive showing just one season prior. The COVID-19 pandemic was hard on Virginia, but in 2022 the Cavaliers were right back where they belonged among the nation's best. The Hoos ran through the NCAA's toughest- rated schedule with road wins over two Col- lege Cup semifinalists, including the eventual NCAA champions, Syracuse. In the ACC, Vir- ginia went unbeaten in road contests with an away record of 3-0-2 in conference play. Chief among the reasons for the success Virginia saw in 2022 was its impressive offen- sive performance and high-pressing style. The 2022 Cavaliers recorded a total of 34 goals in 19 games, matching the program's highest scoring output since the 2013 season. Though the team returned a strong con- tingent of attacking players, the departure of Philip Horton and his 15 points from the previ- ous season made it clear that Virginia would need to strengthen its attacking ranks. Thiam was a perfect candidate for the job. On the field at Klöckner Stadium, Thiam looks far from a player who had just joined over the summer. A crucial piece of the Vir- ginia attack, he assisted on game-winning goals in two of his first three matches as a Cavalier. In addition to what shows up on the stat sheet, Thiam's display of relentless pres- sure in attacking positions and speed on the ball was emblematic of Virginia's philosophy. In September, Virginia welcomed its rivals from across the border, Maryland, to Klöckner Stadium. It would be the first time the Terra- pins had visited Klöckner Stadium in nearly a decade, and the anticipation could be felt in the air. This would be Thiam's first taste of what it means to be a part of the Virginia program. The game was electric from the start. It took less than 15 minutes for the Cavaliers to open the scoring and energize the Vir- ginia faithful. However, it took only minutes for the Terrapins to equalize and set up a classic battle between the rival schools. In stepped Thiam. Sprinting up the field and applying pressure to the Maryland center back, he poked the ball away on a heavy touch and was off to the races. Drifting to the left side of goal, he fired it across his body and into the back of the net to finish his chance. It was a perfect representation of the skill and mentality that Thiam adds to the group. The goal would stand as the game-winner and announced to the Virginia fans that Mouhameth Thiam had arrived. Winning regular-season games is one thing. However, at Virginia, men's soccer is ultimately judged on its finish in the NCAA Tournament. Thiam is well aware of this reality and is excited to be judged by the standard. "I heard that UVA has a great history," he said. "I had seen their reputation as far as developing professional players, and on an ACC level, I knew that they are a strong team in the conference and are looking to win it every single year. "The main goal at this program is to win the national championship." Wearing the Virginia shirt is not always easy. The badge, studded with seven stars across the top representing the program's seven NCAA titles, is a constant reminder of the great players and teams that have come through Klöckner Stadium. Facing the toughest programs college soc- cer has to offer on a yearly basis, coupled with the expectation of excellence carries a great deal of pressure. Some may see these expec- tations as overwhelming, but for Thiam and his teammates the pressure is what fuels them. "Around the team, everyone is aware of that pressure," he said. "So, you kind of absorb it. You invest it into your practice. We are not only playing for the result, but we are also playing for honor. I think the pressure is a good piece of motivation for us." Thiam was tied for the team lead in assists (2) and was third in points (4) through eight matches this season. (Photo courtesy UVA)