As you have no doubt read in my sports writing cohort, Paul Crane's column beside me, sports often take center stage here at the University. Whether it's 4,000 students decked out in orange for a nationally televised game against Duke in University Hall (more affectionately known as the giant clam), or a packed house in newly renovated Scott Stadium for a commonwealth brawl against Virginia Tech, Charlottesville often becomes brimming with life when these matchups occur and ESPN trucks come rolling into town.
But sports at the University aren't always about football, basketball or even baseball. In fact, some of the more successful programs at Virginia are the ones that will never be seen on ESPN, or written about in national papers. And while my good friend wrote about the 'major' sports in Charlottesville that everyone should check out, I offer up a "First Year's Guide to Cavalier Sports and Sporting Events, Vol. 2," that is, the sports that don't always get the respect they should.
When you first arrive, after buying books, going through orientation and other 'first-year' activities, you should take some time to check out both of our soccer teams. If you have followed the World Cup over the summer, you know that former Virginia men's soccer coach Bruce Arena was the head coach of the U.S. National Team. His assistant during the matches in Japan and Korea was George Gelnovatch, who just so happens to be the current head coach of the Cavaliers.
Virginia is coming off a 17-2-1 season, in which they went undefeated during the regular season. With the return of arguably the best forward duo in the nation, Alecko Escandarian and Ryan Gibbs, the Cavaliers should be in contention for a national championship.
The women's soccer team is coming off quite a successful season themselves. They finished the season 14-4-2 after a heartbreaking NCAA tournament semifinal loss to Santa Clara. Though they lose two-time ACC player of the year Lori Lindsey, the Cavaliers should have no trouble putting on a good show for those who come out to watch.
Also not to be missed during the fall season is the field hockey team. Though they play on the visually unappealing turf field (the soccer teams play at beautiful Kl
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