While this year's Virginia men's soccer team may not be the most experienced club in the nation, the No. 6 Cavs still can still clash with the best of them - and come out on top.
"You have to be a team in everything you do, and we are talented enough to beat anyone in the country," coach George Gelnovatch said.
The talent-laden Cavs have a slew of skillful returnees, including third-year forward and preseason second-team All-American Ryan Trout.
But with the early departure of All-American forward Chris Albright to Major League Soccer, the Cavaliers will have to look elsewhere for Albright's deadly scoring punch.
"It's really hard to lose a person who could be the best or one of the best finishers in the country," Trout said. "We should be okay, but we have to play as a team."
Second-year Sheldon Barnes joins Trout on the line. With six goals in his first year, Barnes also proved that he is a weapon to be reckoned with. While Barnes was oft injured during his rookie season, this year he said he hopes to build on his impressive debut season.
"I'm healthy now and it's time for me to step up and be a goalscorer," Barnes said. "With me and Trout up front we should have a real good season."
Another major factor for this year's Virginia squad will be the performance of yet another group of top recruits.
"This freshman class could contribute more than any other one ever at Virginia," Trout said.
Leading the way will be one of the Cavs' top recruits, first-year midfielder Kyle Martino.
"Martino is going to be our central midfielder, our playmaker," Gelnovatch said. "We're expecting lots from him for a first year."
In addition to receiving quality play from the midfielders and forwards, it will be the back line of defense that ultimately will decide the fate of this year's Cavaliers. Fortunately, backers Mike Feller and Chad Prince have the talent and skills to aid the Cavs.
"Mike and Chad are real solid back there," Barnes said.
And solid play the Cavs will need in the always-competitive ACC, which includes four of the Top 25 teams in the nation. Clemson, Maryland and Duke join Virginia in the rankings.
"I can't even put my finger on one of the ACC teams," Gelnovatch said. "It's going to be interesting."
The excitement kicks off this weekend with the Coca-Cola Tournament, hosted by the Cavs at Klockner Stadium.
Virginia plays Seton Hall tonight and Gonzaga Sunday afternoon.
While Gonzaga has been a NCAA Tournament contender over the past few years, Seton Hall was perched high in the national rankings for a large portion of last season. Needless to say, the Cavs should have their hands full in their season openers.
"We should be able to beat them, but we're going to have to play a solid 90 minutes," Trout said.
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