Precisely one year ago, the Cavaliers were 2-0 and were set to open ACC play with a match against Duke. Fans and players placed high expectations on the team, but the Cavaliers lost, 1-0, in double overtime after an excruciating and closely fought contest. Virginia will again have a chance to kick off its conference schedule with a win against the Blue Devils tomorrow in Durham.
Coming off victories against UAB and No. 17 St. John's, No. 2 Virginia has enjoyed success in the early stages of play. The defense has only allowed one exceptional goal, and the offense has found the net seven times.
"You can get results and still not feel too good" about how the team played, coach George Gelnovatch said. "I think we've got some results, and I've been happy with how we've played. The cherry on top is that you get the result."
Duke certainly has no shortage of talent. The team is led by senior midfielder Cole Grossman, a Soccer America preseason All-American, and sophomore forward Ryan Finley. The pair combined for 19 of Duke's 40 goals last season and collected numerous individual accolades.
"Once you get in the ACC, you're playing the most athletic, the most talented players in the country," junior defender Greg Monaco said.
Virginia was undefeated coming into the match against Duke last season as well. Daniel Tweed-Kent, a junior midfielder who knocked in a rebound from Virginia senior goalkeeper Diego Restrepo during the 101st minute to give the Blue Devils the win, returns as a starter this year, although he has yet to score in four games.
"I think, a lot like UAB, they're going to be big, strong and athletic," Gelnovatch said of the Blue Devils. "The big difference is having to do it on the road."
Duke, ranked No. 8 nationally by the NSCAA, went 12-1-0 in 2009 at home. The team opened this season with a scoreless overtime draw against No. 20 Louisville. The Blue Devils bounced back with a 4-1 home win against Sacramento State last Sunday.
Virginia and Duke kick off at 7 p.m. The Cavaliers return to Kl
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