While the Virginia men's soccer team pulled off a stunning 1-0 victory three weeks ago against the previously unbeaten Clemson Tigers, they also suffered a loss.
That day, Virginia coach George Gelnovatch announced the Cavaliers would be without junior midfielder Jeremy Barlow indefinitely because of a suspension for violation of team policy.
While Gelnovatch kept quiet about the cause of Barlow's suspension, one thing was clear: The Virginia midfielders would have to step up.
Last season, Barlow led the team in assists and was third in points. However, the addition of freshman midfielder Jonathan Villanueva and an off season injury changed Barlow's role to that of a key bench player.
Despite the new role, he was still able to shine. Before his suspension, Barlow was third on the team this season in points and had two game-winning goals. His biggest moment came against Boston College when he nailed in an overtime goal to give the Cavaliers a dramatic 3-2 victory.
So far, Virginia has persevered in his absence. The offense has looked remarkably improved in terms of shot opportunities and shot selection. Virginia's 2-0 victory over Liberty and 3-0 victory over then-No. 2 Maryland were just the second and third games in which a Virginia win has been decided by more than one goal.
Junior midfielder Nico Colaluca is one reason for the continued success of Virginia. He currently is second on the team in total points and already has more goals than his previous two years combined.
"I've been taking a lot more shots than I did my first year and second year," Colaluca said. "I think it's just a mentality. We also have better players that can get me the ball, and we have a better offense this year."
One of those better players is Villanueva. The No. 1 soccer recruit according to Soccer America magazine is used to scoring goals but could not seem to get things going until the game-winner against the Clemson Tigers.
Since then, Villanueva has added another pivotal goal to his record when he spun his body around off of sophomore forward Yannick Reyering's pass deflection to score and grab an early lead for Virginia against Maryland.
Whether it is the orange jersey or going up against the No. 2 team in the country, Villanueva has a knack for playing his best when the stakes are highest.
"He's a young guy, and he's still trying to figure out his way," Gelnovatch said. "He's very skillful, and he's done well for us. He puts points on, and this is only his second goal. I think he's going to put some more goals in for us down the stretch."
Virginia has one of the deepest midfields in the country. Perhaps it was only fitting that after Barlow's absence was announced, his brother Neil Barlow picked up an assist the next game against Liberty. He, along with the rest of his midfielders, knows what's at stake.
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