Soccer midfielders are usually not the subject of many headlines because high-scoring forwards draw more attention. That tendency, however, is being challenged by freshman midfielder Tony Tchani.
Tchani, just eight games into his collegiate career, is making his presence felt, leading Virginia in goals (7) and points (16). Both totals are extremely impressive numbers for a freshman. Tchani has also recorded three multi-goal games, including two in back-to-back games. To put it simply, the freshman has stepped up and exceeded everyone’s expectations.
“We always thought he had ability; that’s why we recruited him,” Virginia coach George Gelnovatch said. “You never know how players will turn out, but he’s made an impact earlier than we expected.”
Tchani played high school soccer in Norfolk, where he attended and starred on the soccer team at Maury High School. While at Maury, Tchani earned numerous accolades for his play, including being named first team All-Group AAA and Player of the Year by All-757soccer.com. The freshman from Bafang, Cameroon has been able to quickly translate his high school success into strong play on the college field for several reasons. First, the midfielder stands 6-foot-4, which allows him to gain position over smaller players. Tchani’s height makes him a versatile and dangerous scoring threat around the goal, especially on corner kicks and cross passes. Second, Tchani has proved himself to be something of a free kick specialist. He has scored on two free kick opportunities in the last three games, including a penalty kick during last week’s victory against Central Connecticut State. Tchani’s accomplished shooting skills make him a threat to score on every free kick.
“We work on free kicks and penalty kicks in practice, and I usually take [those types of shots],” Tchani said. “I would consider free kicks to be a specialty of mine.”
By all accounts, Tchani has exceeded expectations. The freshman, however, when asked if he was surprised at his great play less than halfway into his freshman year, Tchani simply replied, “Not really.”
Tchani’s production has been essential for Virginia this season, especially considering last week’s news. Heading into the year, heralded freshman forward Chris Agorsor grabbed most of the headlines and attention. Agorsor, to his credit, lived up to those expectations by scoring four goals in his first seven games. Last week, however, Agorsor sustained an injury in Virginia’s win against Central Connecticut State that forced the forward to be taken off the field and to the hospital. Agorsor suffered an injury to his left knee while being fouled and will miss the rest of the season.
There is no doubt that Agorsor’s loss is a huge blow to Virginia’s chances this season; however, it seems possible that Tchani can mitigate the effects of Agorsor’s absence. If the freshman midfielder keeps scoring at his current rate, Virginia should have no trouble maintaining its customary winning ways, especially if Tchani continues to excel with free kicks.
Tchani “has taken all but one penalty kick and he’s made them all,” Gelnovatch said. “We didn’t know he was a great PK guy. He’s just done well, and he’s really confident.”
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