Tonight, the fourth-ranked men's soccer team will play its final non-conference game before opening ACC play. The Cavaliers, undefeated at home, take on Campbell in the first-ever meeting between the two teams.
Campbell enters the game with an overall 3-1 record, including two wins at the University of Richmond Nike Challenge Cup last weekend. The Cavaliers come into the match with a 4-1 record following two consecutive wins of their own.
The Cavaliers will try to build on the momentum of their latest victory, which came in dramatic form against a very talented St. John's squad. The scoreless tie was broken in overtime by sophomore Ross LaBauex's header that found its way into the back of the net. The goal was LaBauex's first as a Cavalier, keeping Virginia on track as it tries to establish itself as a serious title contender.
"We have been challenging our guys and we told them after the last game that they have really responded," Virginia coach George Gelnovatch said. "That's what we want to see continue as we move forward in the season."
The vote of confidence seems to bode well for the team considering there is a daunting ACC schedule lying ahead.
The back-to-back wins following a tough 5-1 loss to Southern Methodist University have shown the character surrounding the highly talented Virginia team. The scoring attack has been led by senior midfielder Chris Tierney? and junior forward Yannick Reyering? who have netted three goals apiece and six of the team's 11 total goals. Nevertheless, though the offense has been more prolific than last year's team through five games, there is still room for improvement.
"We are looking to improve on our crosses and [to] get more crosses," Gelnovatch said. "On offense instead of running at the guy and getting deeper, we need to look for the early cross."
On the defensive side of the field, the Cavaliers have been solid, allowing just five goals -- all from the loss to SMU.The Cavalier backline has had to integrate some new players after the departure of Bakary Soumare? and goalkeeper Ryan Burke. Sophomore goalkeeper Michael Giallombardo has played exceptionally well, posting four shutouts in only five starts.
The defense will be faced with the task of slowing down a young Campbell squad.
Campbell freshman midfielder Josue Soto leads the team in goals after four games and was recently named the Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Week for his performance in Richmond.
Soto will lead the Camels into a tough environment for visiting teams: At home, Virginia has won seven straight -- and 21 of their last 22 -- games dating back to last season. The success at home has been pivotal for the Cavaliers, as they haven't lost a home game in non-conference play since the 2003-04 season.
With nothing to lose and everything to gain, tonight's game will give the Camels -- who enter the game as heavy underdogs -- a shot to knock off one of the nation's premier teams. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, will be faced with the challenge of taking care of business on their own turf and not allowing the Camels to pull off an upset.
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