Wahoo Wire

The Virginia Men’s Club Soccer team improved their record to 8-0-0 in impressive fashion this past weekend as they defended their title at the Carolina Cup in Chapel Hill, NC.

The team opened play in the group stage with a victory over Wake Forest on Friday night.  The team got off to an electric start, scoring 2 goals in the first 10 minutes of the game.  Matt Ganyard started the scoring for the Cavs by tucking a penalty kick in to the bottom right corner of the goal, just past the outstretched hand of the Wake Forest goalie.  Minutes later Andy Coulson ripped a shot past the keeper, assisted by Jonathan Wilson, to give the ‘Hoos a commanding 2-0 lead.  The Demon Deacons were able to score right before the half to close the gap, but were unable to mount any sort of effective attack in the second half as Virginia cruised to victory.

Virginia next met Duke University in an early morning group stage matchup.  After getting off to a sluggish start, Virginia was able to find their stride in what proved to be a lopsided match and defeat the Blue Devils 3-0.  Andy Coulson grabbed the first goal for the Cavs, assisted by Mos Rasool.  James Ramadan and Matt Ganyard each added a goal as well to secure the Virginia victory. The defense played well holding the Blue Devils to 2 shots on goal and keeper Alex Filauro recorded his first shutout of the season.

After finishing atop their group, Virginia met the UNC “B” team in the quarterfinals.  Virginia jumped out to a 2-0 lead behind the goals of Matt Ganyard and Andy Coulson and seemed to be in control of the game until a defensive breakdown at the end of the half allowed UNC to come to within a goal.  UNC then stormed out after the half and put Virginia on their heels scoring 2 unanswered goals to take a 3-2 lead, the first time Virginia had trailed this season.  After adjusting their formation, the Cavs fought back with 3 unanswered goals of their own to regain the lead and secure the victory.  Fernando de Faria scored both the equalizing and go-ahead goals for the ‘Hoos and Ramadan added the 5th for insurance.

Virginia faced Appalachian St. in the semi-finals on Sunday morning for a chance to play in the Championship game later that day.  Virginia had a number of excellent scoring opportunities but was unable capitalize in what proved to be a defensive battle.  Both teams played hard and were unable to crown a winner in regulation or 2 overtime periods so the game headed to penalty kicks.  Behind the strong play of keeper Alex Filauro, Virginia was able to cruise to a 3-1 victory in penalties.

An exhausted Virginia team then faced the UNC “A” team immediately following their victory in the semi-finals.  UNC got off to a great start and capitalized off a number of Virginia defensive miscues to grab a demoralizing 2-0 lead.  However, the Cavaliers settled down and were able to net a goal right before halftime to narrow the gap.  Matt Ganyard scored the goal assisted by Gianni Melwani.  After adjusting their formation at halftime, Virginia stormed out in the second half and put UNC on their heels.  Capitalizing off a mistake by the Tar Heel keeper, John Goetchius scored the equalizer for the Wahoos.  Then with 15 minutes remaining, Clay Cope sent in a beautiful cross which found the head of Joel Schriner to score the Championship-winning goal.  The Virginia defense played well in the second half and was able to hold of the Tar Heel attack to preserve the championship.

After their impressive tournament win, the Virginia Men’s Club Soccer team is now ranked No. 3 in the region behind Auburn and UCF.

The team travels to Clemson, SC this weekend to compete in the annual Soccotoberfest tournament.