COLLEGE PARK, Md.-The Virginia men's soccer team closed out a rough weekend at the Fila/Maryland Invitation with a hard-fought 2-1 loss to Indiana, the defending NCAA Champions, yesterday at Ludwig Field at the University of Maryland campus. The defeat followed a 2-1 setback to South Carolina Friday.
The Cavs (2-2), ranked No. 1 in Soccer America's college soccer poll, seemed to be on their way to victory after a strong first half capped by a goal from sophomore defender Jonathan Cole. But Indiana (2-2) dominated possession coming out of the gate after the break. The Hoosiers were rewarded with goals by senior forward Matt Fundenberger and sophomore midfielder Michael Bock and the Cavaliers were never able to recover.
|
"I'm disappointed in the losses because we all knew we were better than them," freshman forward Alecko Eskandarian. "We played a better game and we had more opportunities, we've just got to find a way to win."
Virginia was on the offensive for much of the first half and dominated the shot total 7-2. Eskandarian produced several good chances, the best coming when the ref overlooked a potential foul the talented frosh drew in the penalty box.
The big play for Virginia came in the 30th minute. Junior defender Marshall Leonard sent in a free kick from 25 yards out, and Cole headed the ball in off the bottom of the crossbar to put the Cavs up, 1-0. They continued to dictate play until halftime, highlighted by excellent play from Eskandarian and sophomore midfielder Kyle Martino.
|
However, the second half was a different story. The revitalized Hoosier offense put more pressure on Cavalier keeper Kyle Singer. In the 61st minute, Hoosier defender Ryan Hammer sent a header toward the right corner of the net, stopped only by Singer's diving save. Singer made two big saves on the ensuing possessions, deflecting point blank shots from Hammer and junior midfielder Ryan Mack.
Indiana finally converted when Funderberger deftly headed in a cross from Mack in the 64th minute. Eskandarian almost struck back with some dangerous runs down the left flank, but the Cavs could not finish.
Indiana pulled ahead in the 79th minute when Singer deflected a through ball into the waiting feet of Bock, who eased it into the empty net. Virginia put up a strong charge over the last 10 minutes but was left with another tough loss when the final whistle blew.
"The main thing is, we can't keep giving up goals," Cav coach George Gelnovatch said. "We're giving up two goals a game, almost. We're going to score goals. We got to find a way to not let the other team score."
The Cavaliers return home to face Northwestern Wednesday.
"We played two very tough teams," Gelnovatch said. "I'd like to think we'd win if we played them again. We're going to keep sticking with it like we did last year, and we're going to get better"
Read More
Lacrosse defenseman Cole Kastner announces transfer to Stanford basketball
By Michael Liebermann | 16 hours agoKastner is reviving a hoops career that has lain dormant since he graduated high school.
Virginia gets second Notre Dame rematch in a dynamic ACC Tournament bout Friday
By Michael Liebermann | YesterdayThe Cavaliers will get a shot at redemption against a vaunted ACC foe, in a game with serious postseason seeding implications.
Mel Josephson and women’s lacrosse prepare to take center stage
By Xander Tilock | 2 days agoJosephson's ability to perform throughout a game's biggest moments is crucial for the Cavaliers.
