UVa players ready for homecoming

Max Pomper has been going to Giants Stadium with family and friends all his life. Last season, the Huntington, N.Y., resident was on hand for the New York Giants’ win over the Panthers in late December that clinched the No. 1 spot in the NFC playoffs for the Big Blue.

Today, the Virginia junior, along with several of his tri-state area teammates, returns to his neck of the woods when No. 1 UVa takes on No. 10 North Carolina in the Big City Classic.

“It’s a complete thrill,” said Pomper, whose family is actually split in their allegiance between the Giants and the New York Jets. “The last time I was there it was 30 degrees and freezing, so it will be a nice change of scenery hopefully if we have some good weather.

“I’m really excited to play there. I’ve always wanted to do that. It will be a dream come true.”

Virginia (11-0, 1-0 ACC) is coming off a thrilling seven-overtime victory over Maryland last Saturday. While pleased to have picked up the win, UVa players are well aware of the fact that they — with the notable exception of goalie Adam Ghitelman — didn’t come close to bringing their ‘A’ game.

“I don’t know what we were doing, but it wasn’t working,” said Virginia senior Garrett Billings, talking mainly about the team’s offensive ineptitude. “We couldn’t even string three or four passes together … just one of those days. I don’t think I’ve ever seen our entire offensive unit have a day like that.”

Virginia will obviously need to play a lot better against UNC (8-3, 0-2), which is coming of a dramatic victory of its own — a 10-9 senior day triumph over Johns Hopkins. The Tar Heels, under first-year head coach Joe Breschi, will be looking for their first ACC win since beating Virginia in 2004.

“They’re a very, very talented team, especially in the attack spot,” Billings said. “We’re really going to have to defend. We’re going to really need to clamp down.”

The Virginia-UNC game, which will be televised by ESPNU beginning at noon, kick starts a tripleheader of

action. No. 2 Syracuse plays No. 5 Princeton and is followed by No. 7 Hofstra taking on Delaware.

Having played in front of several big crowds in recent years, including the Final Four in Foxborough, Mass. last season, Virginia has a feel for the type of atmosphere it will likely be in today.

“We’re used to these kind of games,” Billings said.