Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, November 28, 1994 TAG: 9412070060
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DOUG DOUGHTY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHARLOTTESVILLE LENGTH: Medium
Unlike three other nationally ranked UVa teams that were beaten in a recent nine-day stretch, coach Bruce Arena's team kept alive its hopes for a fourth consecutive NCAA men's soccer title with a 2-1 victory Sunday over Maryland.
``I think Virginia athletics is being viewed very critically these days,'' said Arena, who reserves most of his digs for the media. ``If we had lost today, would we have been labeled `choke artists?'''
There was little chance of that as fifth-ranked Virginia (19-3-1) scored two goals in the first six minutes and appeared headed for a shutout until Shane Dougherty scored on a penalty kick for Maryland (15-5-1) with 3 minutes, 6 seconds remaining.
``This was similar to the football game [Friday], when we had a chance to put N.C. State away,'' said Arena, referring to the Wolfpack's 30-27 victory. ``I thought we managed to turn a relatively easy game into a tough one.''
Nevertheless, it was the 11th consecutive NCAA Tournament victory for the Cavaliers, who have never lost a playoff game at Klockner Stadium.
``It's easy, once you've won, to deal with the big games,'' Arena said. ``I think there's a lot to be learned from those experiences. But, coaching isn't playing. We do know how to focus on the postseason, but that doesn't mean we're going to win all the time.''
Arena doesn't need to be reminded that UVa was eliminated in either the first or second round from 1984-88.
``One thing you've got to factor in is we used to play at Scott Stadium,'' said Arena, referring to UVa's football field, which has an artificial surface. ``You can't play in that place in big games and expect to win all the time. It favors the defensive team. It favors the underdog.''
Virginia was fortunate Sunday to have Klockner Stadium, a natural-grass facility that absorbed considerable water with minimal loss of traction for the players.
``I was excited,'' said A.J. Wood, who joined Nate Friends as the UVa goal-scorers. ``You get a little moisture on the field and I think it favors the offense.''
``I hated it,'' said fellow senior Clint Peay. ``As a defensive player, you like to have sure footing. On that stuff, anything can happen.''
Peay learned that firsthand, when he slipped while trying to take the ball from Dougherty in the 6-yard box. When Peay rolled over, he inadvertently clutched the ball and the Terrapins were awarded a penalty kick from 12 yards.
The Cavaliers got off light when Dougherty hit the left post, but he later blasted the ball past UVa goalie Mark Peters on a second penalty kick.
``I tried to cut it too close on the first one,'' Dougherty said. ``I didn't have to be that fine with it because it was wet and the goalie couldn't cover as much ground.''
Maryland did not have a good shot to send the game into overtime.
``As coaches, we can be very critical,'' Arena said. ``The point is, this is a knockout tournament and you've got to advance. We played well; it's not like we got out of here with a lucky win.''
UVa's next opponent, James Madison, will be seeking its third consecutive victory over an ACC team. JMU had lost all six of its NCAA Tournament games before beating North Carolina in the first round and Duke on Sunday.
``I don't think there will be enough seats in this place if the weather cooperates,'' Arena said. ``If we don't fill it with Virginia fans, James Madison will.''
by CNB