The Virginia men's soccer season has started off well, with the Cavaliers ranked third in the nation with a 5-1-1 overall record. But, I can't help but compare this squad to last year's group, which started the season 8-0-0 before falling to North Carolina. It's probably unfair to do that, but I just haven't felt the same "good vibes" watching the 2007 Cavaliers that I felt last year. As an optimist, I think that's bound to change, but for now, I'm still waiting for that to happen.
This year, Virginia has allowed eight goals in seven games. The 2006 team didn't allow the eighth goal of that season until the tenth game. I don't know if that stat has any bearing whatsoever on your opinion. It probably shouldn't, considering five of those goals came from a blowout loss to then-No. 9 Southern Methodist University. Heck, Virginia's basketball team lost embarrassingly in Puerto Rico last year, and went on to be ACC co-champions. Just as "what happened in San Juan, stayed in San Juan" -- and obviously the same goes for Las Vegas -- what happened in Dallas can stay in Dallas. Besides that game, the defense has looked good so far, but Virginia cannot afford to lose that badly again, especially in ACC play. More on that later.
Expectations are high on the new Cavaliers' keepers, as the team lost a great goalie in Ryan Burke. This year's netminders -- sophomore Michael Giallombardo, the starter, and understudy freshman Dan Louisignau -- have big shoes to fill, as Burke recorded eight shutouts and a 0.98 goals-against average last year in 20 games. Since neither Giallombardo nor Louisignau have much collegiate experience, it's hard to expect Burke-like numbers this season, but consistent play over the remainder of the season is not too much to ask for.
Similarly, this year's offensive unit lacks the combined experience of previous Virginia units, and it shows. Again, one must consider that the Cavaliers lost forward Adam Cristman and midfielder Nico Colaluca from last year, as both were selected in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft. (Cristman should win Rookie of the Year this year, by the way.) The game plan appears to have changed since last year, however, as the team is playing a lot of "long ball" and trying to get the ball to all-everything forward Yannick Reyering in the air. But Reyering is so skilled with his feet that, to me, that strategy doesn't make much sense. I've seen less through balls, crisp passes and finishes off crosses in the few home games in this young season than while watching the 2006 team, and I think the team could have greater success if they reverted back to what worked last year. George Gelnovatch is a great coach, and he knows what he's doing; but, since I don't know what he's doing, I have to wonder about the new strategy.
Surely starting off with a draw in ACC play is not what the Cavaliers wanted to do. It was a road game, and road games are much more difficult to win than home games in this conference. (We should know all about that, what with setting the NCAA record for season attendance last year, which clearly provides for a home-field advantage.) Fortunately, Virginia plays both North Carolina and Duke at home this year, but the last two games of the season are both away from Charlottesville, in hostile environments. The back-to-back games at Wake Forest and Maryland will not be easy, so the Cavaliers need to rack up as many conference wins as possible during the early weeks.
I can't be disappointed with the No. 3 rank and a 5-1-1 record, but the Cavaliers just don't seem to have the same air of intimidation they had last year. When opponents came to Klöckner Stadium a year ago, they had practically no chance of winning, and they knew it. This year, the opposition has had it too easy, even though the Cavaliers are 4-0-0 at home. The game against St. John's went to overtime, and made the fans a little uneasy. Even with the support of the Wahooligans (and plenty of sideline soccer moms and dads), Virginia isn't demonstrating the same home field dominance it did last year.
I'm not out to bash the Cavaliers at all. How can I? They're one of the best teams in the country. I guess I'm just spoiled from watching last year's final four team, and I know the 2007 squad has the talent and potential to get back to that promised land. The Cavaliers play tonight at 7 p.m. at home against Mount St. Mary's. Go to Klöckner, support the team and watch them shut me up.
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