PC Although it is Politicially Correct to bash Duke Soccer on BigSoccer.com, you have to give them some respect thus far as we approach the halfway point of the season. At 6-2-1, they've defeated the then-#2 team in the country (Clemson), the defending champion (UNC) and then defeated giant-killer Davidson last night...with Davidson fresh off defeats of South Carolina and UNC. Here's some props for the Blue Devils.
As someone who has bashed Duke in the past for underacieving, I have to give them props for turning things around. Granted, the only game I saw them this year, they looked terrible as they got their ass kicked by Maryland but otherwise they've had a solid season.
Duke Having watched Duke for more than a decade, I think I can put my finger on their improvement. Duke has two new assistant coaches this year, and those guys have made a world of difference. Players are Duke are now actually learning how to get better, which hasn't happened there for a while. Plus, they are playing well together as a team.
I've seen Duke six times this year. They looked pretty bad through the first four games I saw. I even went so far as to predict that NC State had a chance against them. The last two games they have been a changed team. They are without question improving. I've got to side with LuvDaBears. I can't recall a single Duke team over the last 10 years that has improved considerably as the season has progressed. This team definitely seems to be learning and improving as they go. I don't think they're in the same class as Wake Forest, but maybe they'll give them a game.
Maybe its the new assistant coaches that saw the potential in a Perea-Cila assault up front. What took Rennie so long?
Well maybe they're going to get their asses beat so bad on October 20th, the soccer gods are giving them some wins now so they don't get all depressed. No props for the Blue Devils! (but I'm glad they aren't sucking so the game on the 20th will actually be a good one).
UVA? Duke will hold up their end of the deal but no team has fallen so far so fast as those UVA guys. Instead of pointing for the Duke match up maybe finding a way to finish above .500 for the season would be enough of a goal for now. I don't know if UVA is the worst team in the ACC this year (NC St never counts) but they are certainly competitive for the honor.
Re: UVA? As a UVa guy, it pains me to agree with this statement but until the Cavs prove they can beat someone in the conference besides State - which, as TerpFan said, never counts - they may be the 6th best team in the conference. Big game with the Heels this week.
Duke Turnaround There are a number of things different about this Duke team from years past: 1) veteran experience: child prodigys Perea and Cila are now leaders on the field 2) new young assistants: new life and energy has helped inspire and motivate this team 3) stingy defense: both Matt Ahumada (central defender) and Justin Trowbridge (goalkeeper) have to be on the verge of breaking their respective US Nat'l teams (U-23 and U-20). 4) pulling out close ones: some one told me that out of their 10 losses last season, six were in overtime. This season, they've defeated Clemson in OT and UNC and Davidson in 1-goal matches. They must have learned from experience.
Duke What I like about Duke, is they're a team that plays soccer. I've seen so many college teams, especially this year, that just kick and run. It's especially nice to watch a team knock it around ocassionally, and use their midfielders to mount an attack, rather than hundreds of long balls to no one. Perea had an outstanding season with the PDL team this summer, but he got hurt early in one of Duke's preseason games. He's pretty much back to 100% healthy now and he's playing like one of the premier MF's in the country. Ahumada has looked rock solid anchoring their back line, and he's a very smart player. Freshman Ian Carey is going to be very good. His positioning on the field is great, and he's a terrific two way player. Barring injuries, I think Duke will be there when it counts; at tournament time.