Wahooze 2011 Soccer Preview

Last year, the men’s soccer team followed up their surprising (6^th) National Championship* with a disappointing loss to the Maryland turtles in the ACC tournament and a first round exit from the NCAAs at the hands of ODU – brief ODU Monarch shout out: Go Big Blue! – at home, no less. While the season itself was a disappointment by our standards, it included a couple bright spots, most notably Freshman of the Year Will Bates, who lead the team in goals.

Last year’s team was young, as well, so the majority of the starting eleven has returned for the 2011 campaign. Additionally, Coach Gelnovatch is more than bullish about the incoming freshman class, so look for the Hoos to integrate so young talent early into the lineup.

NSCAA has the guys ranked 22^nd in their preseason poll, I’d say that’s a little low, but considering the late struggles from last year, this team will need to exceed expectations when the schedule gets tough in order to bring home another trophy.

What to watch for this season:

Ari Dimas (insert) in the midfield. Dimas brings possession, creativity, and speed to the midfield, making him not only fun to watch, but a key part of starting the offense for the Hoos.

New keeper! There’s a three-man competition going on to see who takes over for Diego Restrepo in goal this year. Considering Restrepo single-handedly won the 2009 ACC tournament for the Hoos, it’s important that Coach G finds the right guy.

Beating Maryland. Friday, October 7^th. 7pm. Klöckner Stadium. Wahooze party? I’ll be there. (It’s a bye week for the football team, you’re going to need your Virginia sports fix.)

Hunter Jumper. Yep, our senior leader in the back is named Hunter Jumper.

Prognostication for 2011: Victory. Championships. Seriously though, I see this team competing in the post-season with the possibility for the success and glory we've come to expect.

*For those keeping score, that's UVA: 18 NCAA Championships VT: Zero