On a chilly, blustery evening at Klöckner Stadium Friday night, the Virginia men's soccer team ended its regular season the way it started it over two months ago. But it's what happened in between Friday's 1-0 win over Ohio State and the season opening triumph that worries the Cavs.
The win boosted the Cavaliers' overall record to 10-7-1, the team's worst regular season mark since 1980. Beating Ohio State (11-7-0) gives the Cavs renewed hope for a NCAA Tournament berth, something they have not failed to receive in 18 years.
"The only way you guarantee yourself [an NCAA Tournament bid] is to win the [ACC] Tournament," Virginia Coach George Gelnovatch said. "I think we're close, we may not be there yet. A first-round win would get us in; there's no question about that. I'm hoping that this win got us in."
Second-year forward Sheldon Barnes notched the game's only goal late in the second half. First-year midfielder Kyle Martino received a ball from Barnes on the right side of the box in the 73rd minute. Martino dribbled to the back line against a duo of Buckeye defenders before lofting a cross to Barnes, who headed the ball into the net.
"It was a world-class finish by Sheldon," Martino said. "He started it and he finished it, so he gets a lot of credit for that."
Reserve goalkeeper David Comfort played spectacularly in place of regular keeper Kyle Singer, who was still out with an illness he contracted before Virginia's trip to the West Coast last week. Comfort earned his first career shutout with four saves, including a game-saving stop on a one-on-one duel with Buckeye midfielder John Tomaino.
Virginia competed without the help of third-year midfielder Ryan Trout, who was suspended for a violation of team rules. He will be activated for the ACC Tournament, Gelnovatch said.
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