To believe the axiom that "defense wins championships," one need not look any further than Virginia's run through the NCAA Tournament last year. In four tournament games, the Cavaliers' first-team defense allowed only 19 goals and held high-powered Maryland to a paltry four scores in the national semi-final. Led by goaltender Tillman Johnson, who earned Most Outstanding Player honors for his 31 saves in the final two rounds against No. 3 Maryland and No. 1 Johns Hopkins, Virginia's defense effectively shut down its opponents en route to a national title.
The reigning first-team All-American Johnson, along with his friend and classmate, defender Brett Hughes, return to anchor a Cavalier defense that allowed only 7.5 goals per game a season ago, including only three games in which they yielded double-digit tallies.
Despite the unit's overall dominance, Johnson is the one who has grabbed most of the headlines and accolades. USILA named him both Goalie of the Year and Player of the Year after he made 205 saves for a .635 save percentage, which was good for fourth-best in the country. Entering his senior season, Johnson has started every game of his collegiate career and has helped shore up any defensive lapses.
"He is a confidence boost for everybody," Hughes said of Johnson. "Sometimes I think we use him as a security blanket. But, it is just good to know that not only is your best friend behind you, but a kid who is going to make up for some missed opportunities."
Hughes is the stalwart of Virginia's back line. He was named a second-team All-American a year ago and is widely considered the nation's top returning close defender, consistently matching up with opponents' top scorers. His 50 ground balls a year ago were second among ACC close defenders and tied for 17th nationally.
Hughes has "started every game since he stepped foot in Charlottesville," coach Dom Starsia said. "He's an emotional kid, a passionate kid. He's been surrounded by older guys most of his career, but all of a sudden he's the sage of the group."
The co-captain Hughes will be called on to be more of a leader this season, as he is the only one of two returning starters on Virginia's defense and midfield units. The defense saw the graduation of starters Ned Bowen and David Burman and now look to sophomores Mike Culver and Steve Holmes to fill those voids.
Though both players will be new to the starting lineup, each already has proven their on-field merits. Holmes saw significant action at defense two years ago before taking last year off, and Culver is a converted long-stick midfielder who captained the United States' Under-19 World Championship last summer.
"We have some new faces out there," Culver said. "Fortunately, last year I could get my feet wet a little bit playing long-stick midfielder. Steve and Brett are teaching us the way -- it's going pretty well, though. We're starting to become a cohesive unit."
The midfield is also a bit unproven, especially after the loss of defensive specialist Billy Glading. Sophomore Kyle Dixon is the lone returning starter, but several players with less on-field experience are ready to jump right into the mix.
"In the midfield, we're going to see who is going to define themselves as players," sophomore midfielder Jared Little said. "Ted Lamade is consistently the one who is pushing us. Nathan Kenney is a tough, tough kid. He carries us on our defensive midfield and transition offense."
For the fourth straight year, the supporting cast has changed for Virginia, but Hughes and Johnson remain the leaders of one of the nation's best defenses.
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