UVA vs. NCSU I am going to my first UVA game this Saturday. Since I don't follow college soccer that much, anyone have thoughts on the game? Any standout players that I should make note of?
For UVa, the best player is Alecko Eskandarian, a forward and the Cavs', and the nation's, leading scorer. He was the top Freshman in the country 2 years ago and has played for the U20 and U23 teams. Other talented players for Virginia include Ryan Gibbs, the other forward, holding MF Kenny Arena (Bruce's son and a U20 international), and defenders Jon Cole (an All ACC player), Matt Oliver (who made Soccer America's all freshman team last year) and Hunter Freeman, a 17-year old freshman. NC State's best player is GK Mitchell Watson, who gets shelled more than an Afghani cave. Watson is an averaging an astounding 7.57 saves per game this year. Getting shelled is nothing new for Watson; as a freshman, he averaged, 4.93 saves a game, 6.72 as a sophomore and 6.2 last year.
Be sure to notice NCSU's coach, I'm sure his hair will stand out. Odd tactics for coaching, hopefully the last time you'll see him play UVA...
Better yet, sit as close to possible to the NC State bench so that you can get a close look at the coach's antics. Watching George Tarantini is worth the price of admission.
Yeah Dani! Way to start that thread! Are you guys still getting food with us afterwards? Come find us at the game, or get C to call my cell. You'll be able to watch the coaches from where we sit too. Freeman and Eskandarian are the best players.
Might be the first time in college soccer history that a player's performance, Eskandarian, might be disappointing if he doesn't get the hat-trick.
UVA vs. NCSU Thanks everyone. Sounds like it should be an exciting game. Courtney, we'll call you when we get there.
Finally! Uva 4, NC State 0. 2 goals by Alecko, one by Rob Wright, and one by Phillip Long. UVA played better (I'm assuming, since I didn't see any of the road games) tonite, though still not the team of last year. They looked pretty decent tonite though, which might have just been because it was NC State. Some surprises in the starting lineup, no Freeman, still no Arena (does anyone know what's going on with that?), finally got to see Joe Vide play. I was suprised at how skinny he was, but he had some good touches. However shortly after halftime he looked so tired I thought he was going to collapse, and then after a tackle he was limping pretty badly. Hopefully it was nothing too bad though, and I'll get to see him in action more on Wednesday night against Marshall. 3 games in less than a week...I'm gonna be hurting for gas money!!!
Up from the bottom A win over NC St is more of a relief than a celebration in the ACC. It essentially means you have avoided last place in the league. In UVA's case it also means ending a four game losing streak. As for Freeman not starting I'm surprised 4-5 starters haven't been moved to the bench during the streak as a wake-up call.