When things are going wrong, people often say, "Just stay positive." For the Virginia women's soccer team (3-2-1), this might not only be a common saying, but a good strategy as well.
Most of the positives for the Cavaliers currently lie in the midfield. Virginia's midfield contains the most experienced members of the team, in addition to some of the most talented. The only newcomer to the midfield this year is Jen Redmond, a sophomore who took last season off to play with the U-19 team in Thailand. Joining Redmond in the midfield are junior Shannon Foley and seniors Sarah Huffman, Noelle Keselica and Kelly Hammond, all of whom started all 22 games last year.
"We knew that was the strength of our team going in," Virginia coach Steve Swanson said "We still believe that. They're really our engine."
Unfortunately for the Cavaliers, an engine only works with all the right parts. Sunday both Hammond and Huffman were injured during the game against Dayton; Huffman suffered a pulled groin and Hammond a knee injury.
"I think Sarah Huffman's [injury] is day-to-day," Swanson said. "Kelly [Hammond]'s is a little more serious, but we're waiting and seeing on that -- we don't know how much she's going to be out."
For a team already struggling through the beginning of the season, two injuries are not what are needed. Hammond and Huffman are two of the most skilled players on the team, with Hammond having accumulated four goals and one assist and Huffman one goal and one assist.
"Kelly's always been a goal scorer for us, and she's always been someone who's gotten shots," Swanson said. "Huffy's always been someone who's gotten a lot of assists for us. I think it's been a big part of our offense."
This isn't the first time this season Virginia has been plagued by injuries. In the first game of the season against Rhode Island, senior Kristen Wiess, one of the Cavaliers' most experienced forwards, went down with a leg injury and has yet to see additional game action. This could be a contributing factor to Virginia's problems with capitalizing on scoring opportunities. If Hammonds' injury keeps her out as long as Wiess' has, it could be extremely detrimental to the team.
Interestingly enough, one of the strengths Virginia has been touting since the beginning is the team's versatility and depth.
"We've had a couple of injuries so far, but I think we have players that can come in and make a difference -- everybody can add something to the team, and I think everyone has," Keselica said
Virginia isn't necessarily where it wants to be right now, but due to the team's youth, expectations for many weren't as high as in years past. With ACC play starting next week, Virginia hopes to use this weekend at home as a chance to work out the last kinks before it hits the road to face some of its greatest challenges of the season. Hopefully for Virginia fans, the Cavaliers have a lot to look forward to.
"It's just the beginning of the season," Keselica said. "I think us being positive is the key right now"
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