Three shutouts and 10 goals in only six games suggest that the Virginia men's soccer team is definitely moving in a positive direction. Entering the new season ranked No. 8 in Soccer America's Preseason top-25 poll, a casual observer would think the defending ACC tournament champions would stick to the same old formula to replicate the huge successes of last year.
New seasons, though, represent new challenges, and recent results around the ACC suggest the likes of Maryland may be serious contenders for Virginia's crown. To be able to stay on top this season, Virginia is looking to its offense to complement a defense that virtually carried the team through the end of last season, recording crucial shutouts when it mattered and stifling ACC powerhouse Wake Forest three times.
An important part of Virginia's offense will be sophomore Adam Cristman. Cristman scored a team-high eight goals last season and was named to the All-ACC freshman team. He already has three goals in six games this season. He cites experience as the reason for this season's improved start.
"We have a year on our belt, and we are a little sharper," Cristman said. "We have all adapted to the college game."
Virginia coach George Gelnovatch was also full of praise for his star center forward.
"He is a very good college forward and is one of the fittest players in the country in terms of stamina," he said.
Virginia also has depth on offense with freshmen like midfielder Nico Colacula, who will likely contribute to a midfield group that chipped in more than its fair share of goals last season.
Despite their impressive start to the season, members of the team believe they should be doing even better considering the number of scoring opportunities they have created each game.
"We should be scoring more goals," senior midfielder Mike Littlefield said. "Hopefully we will put in more as the season progresses".
Virginia can't do it all on offense and will be looking to an experienced backline that recorded seven shutouts last season to do the same this year.
"Our attitude and focus is stronger than it was last year," senior All-American defender Matt Oliver.
Gelnovatch was quick to point out that stability at some positions has made the team better overall.
"We gave away a lot of soft goals last season, and a lot of it had to do with goalkeeping," he said. "Our back four also had something to do with it, and they are all now juniors and seniors and are now an experienced group."
Gelnovatch is certainly keeping his cards close concerning the team's prospects in the ACC.
"From top to bottom I believe the conference is excellent and anything can happen on a given day."
Already the team has experienced firsthand how tough the season could be. Virginia, now No. 20, suffered its first loss last week against No. 8 Saint Louis, 2-1, in a game in which the defense gave up two goals in five minutes and the offense sputtered in the first half.
"It was very surprising," Oliver said. "What was good was we never gave up and kept plugging away."
Virginia gets to test its newfound resolve Friday in its first ACC contest at Wake Forest, a team the Cavaliers beat on all three occasions they met last season.
Read More
Volleyball falls to No. 15 Miami on the road, leaving Florida winless
By Lauren Halak | 17 hours agoWhile Virginia is showing promise in individual sets, it is still struggling to string together multiple sets.
No. 1 men’s golf easily clinches Golf Club of Georgia Invitational, firing on all cylinders
By Sofie Keppler | 23 hours agoVirginia dominated the whole way in a large field.
No. 3 Virginia blanks Pittsburgh 2-0 on Senior Day
By David Sewall | 23 hours ago“On the run we’ve had, it was nice to get back, get a win and stabilize ourselves a bit as we prepare for our last home game,” Swanson said.
