Men’s Soccer: Gelnovatch announces 2024 UVA team captains

Courtesy UVA Media Relations

Virginia head men’s soccer coach, George Gelnovatch announced Tuesday that Paul Wiese, Albin Gashi and Umberto Pelà have been selected as team captains for the 2024 season.  

“I am happy to announce three captains that will lead our team in 2024,” Gelnovatch said. “Each are exceptionally talented soccer players and understand what it means to represent our program. They have earned tremendous respect in our locker room and have shown excellent leadership qualities both on and off the field.” 

Wiese, Gashi and Pelà will all wear the armband as Cavaliers for the first time following the departure of Virginia’s trio of captains in 2023. 

Senior defender Paul Wiese has appeared in 55 games for the Cavaliers—the most of any current player. Wiese comes off a season in which he led the Cavaliers in assists as his total of eight was fifth among all ACC players and eighth among defenders in NCAA Division I. His 2023 campaign marked the second season in which he led his team in the category. 

“I feel deep pride and great respect to serve as captain for one of the most prestigious programs in college soccer,” Wiese said. “The goal is to honor my coaches, teammates, the University of Virginia, and especially our Men’s Soccer Alumni. I have big shoes to fill. I am committed to being a role model on and off the field with integrity, dedication, and passion. Leading this year’s team means fostering a sense of unity and determination, ensuring we all stay focused on our collective goals, and upholding the proud traditions of our great program.”  

Entering his third season as a Cavalier, Albin Gashi has been a fixture of the Virginia team since his arrival at Klöckner Stadium. The midfielder has appeared in 34 of 38 games while making 28 starts since his debut in the 2022 season opener. 

“Being selected as a captain of this team is a huge honor,” Gashi said. “For me, it’s not just about being part of a successful program with a rich history, but also about representing a school and city that I have truly fallen in love with. The pride I feel for UVA and its community makes this role even more special as I get to support and lead a team that means very much to me.” 

Umberto Pelà enters the season coming off a breakout campaign in 2023. As a central defensive midfielder, Pelà started all 18 games for which he was available in 2023 while recording the third most minutes of any Virginia player that season.  

“Being named captain is, above all, a matter of great pride,” Pelà said. “I’m very thankful to the staff and team for the trust they’ve put in me. I’m eager to take on this responsibility and even more excited for the season ahead. We have a deep, talented group and I’m so confident this will be a season full of success.”  

Virginia is set to open the 2024 season at home on Thursday, when the Cavaliers welcome Rider to Klöckner Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.