While they have had home victories over nationally-ranked, ACC rivals Wake Forest and North Carolina, Virginia men's soccer has failed to create the same type of success on the road.
The Cavaliers will be attempting to claim their first away win all season when they travel to UNC-Greensboro tonight.
Virginia (8-6, 3-2 ACC) improved their home record to 7-3 last Friday with a 2-1 victory over Liberty.
"We are playing away and we don't have an away win this year," coach George Gelnovatch said. "But we have a win under our belts now so we can go down there with a bit of momentum."
One of the reasons leading to the Cavaliers' struggles on the road may be the large load that many of the Virginia's freshmen are being asked to carry. But with a freshman scoring at least one goal in each of the Cavaliers' last five matches, their talent may be overcoming their lack of experience.
"The first years have an eagerness to show and demonstrate, to get onto the field," Gelnovatch said. "But there's a naivety about it too. We've been paying for it all year at certain positions."
One of the freshmen who has stepped up his play in recent games is Virginia native midfielder Ian Holder. Earning his first career start against Liberty, Holder responded brilliantly heading in his first goal as a Cavalier on a cross by junior John Hartman in the 41st minute.
"One of the first things you recognize about [Holder] is just his athleticism," Gelnovatch said.He's big, he's strong, he's fast. What he was lacking was just some experience. We have to continue to find ways to get him onto the field."
Another factor playing into Virginia's near .500 record is a depleted defense due to injuries. Senior Matt Oliver and sophomore Paul Johnson are both unable to play due to injuries, causing an even greater need for some of the younger players to step up.
"Matt went down in practice and it was definitely a big blow to the team," sophomore Joe Vide said. "He's not only the leader; he's the one solid back for our team and the guy we all look up to."
Despite Virginia's lack of experience and injury problems, they remain positive about the remainder of the season. The Cavaliers have three more games on the schedule before the ACC tournament begins, including an away game at No. 2 Maryland (14-1, 4-1 ACC). Three victories to close out the season could give this young squad the confidence needed to make a serious run deep into the postseason.
"Every game is a big game for us," Galnovatch said. "We've only played one game where we've won by more than one goal. You have to sit down, put your seat belt on and just strap yourself in."
Virginia's soccer dynasty certainly has not ended, but it has begun a new chapter. Another page will be written today against the Spartans, as the Cavaliers will try to take the next step towards a happy ending.
"[Liberty] was definitely a good win for us and gives us momentum traveling to UNC-G," Vide said. "We don't want to be the one Virginia team in 20 years that doesn't make the NCAA playoffs."
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