Beating Virginia Commonwealth in Richmond is never an easy task, and Monday night’s commonwealth clash with the Rams was no different. Over 84 minutes, both teams remained scoreless, exchanging chances but failing to break through. But that was until freshman midfielder Derrick Etienne chipped the Rams’ goalkeeper to put the sixth-ranked Cavaliers (5-0-2, 1-0-1 ACC) up 1-0, a lead they would not relinquish.
With just two full days of rest since beating NC State in their conference opener, Virginia struggled with the upset-minded Rams (2-5-1, 0-0 A-10), which generated numerous nerve-racking chances in the first half and early in the second half, but couldn’t break through the back line to test sophomore goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell.
VCU was a pesky opponent throughout, outshooting Virginia 16-11 and committing nine fouls. While often times when playing a lesser team this would be cause for concern, ceding weak shots in lieu of quality chances is exactly how coach George Gelnovatch wants the team to play defense. This style — which incites the team to counter attack — eventually paid dividends in the hostile road environment.
It wasn’t until the 72nd minute that the Cavaliers created their first solid chance on goal, when junior forward Sam Hayward was gift-wrapped a goal-scoring opportunity in the six-yard box, but he pushed his shot wide. He was set up nicely once again in the 82nd minute when he sent a driving strike just over the crossbar.
While Cavaliers fans were preparing for yet another overtime test, the offense was hungry, looking for a dynamic play to break the stalemate. The spark came from Etienne, who, in the 84th minute, made a tremendous, skillful run through the VCU defense that culminated in him chipping the ball over the keeper for his first career goal.
Etienne becomes the second freshman to score this season, joining fellow midfielder Jean-Christophe Koffi. Although the Cavaliers will sleep soundly following a hard fought win, a matchup with second-ranked Notre Dame looms on Friday in South Bend, IN, a notoriously challenging locale.
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