No 12. Virginia’s offense struck early and often, discouraging any chance of a Hofstra comeback in a sound 4-0 victory Thursday. The Cavaliers (2-0-0) came off their opening contest against Villanova looking much sharper on all sides of the ball, allowing the win streak at Klöckner Stadium to grow to 18.
Coach George Gelnovatch never has anything but praise for the home crowd, who came out in droves to support the Cavaliers in their second contest of the season.
“Look, Klöckner is a special place, our fans are special people and so far this year [we have had] two great crowds,” Gelnovatch said.
Senior midfielder Pablo Aguilar opened up the scoring for Virginia in the ninth minute off a free kick setup by three early shots and continued offensive pressure. They ended the contest outshooting Hofstra 12-10 with a 5-3 advantage in shots on goal.
The Cavaliers constantly pressed the Hofstra (1-2-0) defense, creating another opportunity in the 41st minute as junior forward Edward Opoku blistered the back of the net. Aguilar made notable plays throughout the first half, assisting Opoku and giving Virginia a calming presence in the frontline.
“It’s absolutely amazing, to be able to get [the early goals],” Opoku said. “Because first of all it helps with the confidence and with the team, and trying not to put pressure on myself and just take it one game at a time.”
Opoku continued to push at an assertive pace in the second half, even with the 2-0 lead. He would not let the Cavalier’s offense be denied, assisting on a 46th minute goal by junior midfielder Daniel Barir and a 53rd minute goal by junior midfielder Julian Cummings.
The second assist was a work of art, with Opoku pacing his defender on the right side of the field before quickly stopping, making a nifty dribbling move, and freeing himself to make the open cross.
After the game, Opoku was all smiles as he expressed his mentality going into each game and some advice for his younger teammates.
“Absolutely I keep telling them just enjoy the game,” Opoku said. “You know I’ve been here for three years now, this is my third year and you know I wish it was like my first year because it's absolutely amazing to play here.”
The first 15 minutes of the contest looked very different from the final score, and with Hofstra getting early shots up, the Cavaliers seemed vulnerable. Gelnovatch mentioned that the team’s play could still improve.
“I don’t think there is one thing…What I would say is, it's still a work in progress,” Gelnovatch said. “I mean there are still some things that are sloppy, there are still some things that are aren’t right, personnel I’m looking at in different places.”
“But, that is normal for this time of year. That is completely normal, and if you can do those things and win and score goals and get shutouts along the way and learn a little bit about yourself, that’s what this early part of the year is,” Gelnovatch added.
Senior goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell has been moving up many of Virginia’s all-time lists with a steady presence behind the defense that has led to 42 consecutive starts in goal. After the contest with Hofstra, Caldwell reached fifth all-time in goalie minutes played in Cavalier history.
With momentum building after two great home victories to start the season, Virginia continues its opening home stand with a 7 p.m. contest Monday against UNC-Wilmington.
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