The Virginia men's soccer team remembers last year's season opener well.
Within the first 25 seconds of the season, Seton Hall had caught the Cavaliers dozing badly. The unranked Pirates netted a goal less than half a minute into the game and went on to shock the then-No. 14 Virginia 1-0.
The Cavaliers took some time to recover, going on to lose two of the next three games, forcing the team to play catch-up for the rest of the season. The team will hope to write a different beginning to the 2004 season, as Virginia opens its season against Marshall today and plays Long Island Sunday in the Virginia Soccer Classic.
The Cavaliers return all 11 starters from last year's ACC championship team. With plenty of returning letterman and a talented group of freshmen and transfers, Virginia opens the season ranked No. 11 by Soccer America. The Cavaliers will need to mix youth and experience to improve on last year's 11-10-2 record. Especially important will be focused team play and opening the season with a few wins.
Talking to his players, coach George Gelnovatch reminded his team of last year's 0-2 start, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the team's concentration. Goalkeeper Ryan Burke, said he for one, understands his coach's concern.
"With 11 returning starters, there really is no excuse to get off to the start that we had last year," Burke said.
Burke will be one of those important returning starters. Stepping in midway through last season, Burke improved steadily throughout the year. He was named tournament MVP after posting 11 saves in the ACC Tournament, and his performance late in the season secured him a spot on the Freshman All-American team.
Burke will stand behind a solid defense, led by All-ACC senior Matt Oliver. The offense, on the other hand, has some question marks.
"The defense is going to be great, just as they were great last year," Burke said. "The real question will be whether we can score goals."
The answer to that question will likely turn on the performance of sophomore Adam Christman and senior Mike Littlefield, the team's top two goal scorers from last year. Sprinkled in the offensive mix this weekend will also be freshmen Jeremy Barlow and Nico Colaluca, who have displayed impressive talent so far.
"We've got two guys coming in that have a lot of speed and provide depth," Christman said. "They're going to be some good players not just this year, but for the next couple of years."
The depth of Virginia's roster gives Gelnovatch incentive to work the starters hard, and to keep them running.
"I don't think we have a 25 goal scorer or a guy in the midfield creating everything," Gelnovatch said. "But I think what we have is a pretty solid team from top to bottom. There are seven or eight guys off the bench. I think what I'm looking for is to see a total team play together."
Both Marshall and Long Island are respected soccer programs and should provide a good early-year test for the Cavaliers.
The Cavaliers say they want to improve on last year and should have the experience and talent to do so. But Virginia must also remember what happens when they stumble out of the gate. The Cavaliers will have to stay focused this weekend if they want to leave Klöckner Stadium with a few wins and positive momentum.
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