Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW): The 2024 season for the UVA Men’s Soccer team has been frustrating for a number of reasons.  Arguably chief amongst them is that the effort and quality of the soccer the team has played is not reflected well in their results.  The Hoos only notched three points in five matches over the month of September.  During that time, creative and neat attacking play has often been finished off, or strong defensive performances are sullied by one, late goal conceded.  However, the month of October has proven to be a new chapter for George Gelnovatch’s men.  In two matches, the Hoos have notched all six points to start the month, against two ranked opponents.  Following their dramatic victory against the #19 Virginia Tech Hokies on Homecoming Weekend, the Hoos stole a victory against the #10 JMU Dukes yesterday evening, by a score of 1-0.   

Early chances from both teams in the first half created a wonderfully heightened atmosphere on the pitch at Klockner Stadium, in which it felt as though every touch of the ball could be dangerous.  Danny Mangarov made several excellent attempts at Sebastian Conlon’s goal but none had the necessary finesse to beat the JMU Keeper.  On the other end, a promising shot from Jeffrey Aguilar only just trickled over the crossbar, keeping Joey Batrouni’s clean sheet intact.  Conlon made the only save of the first half, Batrouni had not been forced to intervene yet.  After the interval, an unlucky but justified foul on JMU defender Enrique Garcia Barelles was called, a handball set up a dangerous but ultimately futile opportunity for the Hoos.  Barelles, though embarassed then, likely did not know just how frustrating the next 45 minutes would be for him.  Batrouni kept the UVA net well-defended throughout that time, making one strong save to keep the JMU attack largely quiet.  Meanwhile, at the other end, the Hoos, in their customary fashion, used their fullbacks to great in creating dangerous chance after dangerous attacking chance, particularly through the air.  However, as time wound down with nothing to show for their efforts, the ending of the match looked like more of the same for UVA.  The clock reached the 90th minute, when finally , a long ball from Brandon Lambe found captain Umberto Pela, who belted a cross into the box.  The ball deflected off Garcia Barelles and into the goal, to give the Hoos the lead at the death.   The whistle blew, and the Hoos had won again.  The Barelles own goal sent the Dukes packing.   

UVA Head Coach George Gelnovatch, after the game, said “…these last two games were a little bit more reflective of our performances.”  How right he is, as UVA looks poised and confident in the face of more tough opposition still to come on the schedule.  Next up, they head to Boston on Friday night to face the BC Eagles at 7:00 PM. The Eagles have not won since their match with Siena on September 17th and are 3-3-5 on the year.