THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 1, 1996 TAG: 9609010271
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C11 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHARLOTTESVILLE LENGTH: 43 lines
In a matchup of experience vs. youth, the Virginia men's soccer team beat Old Dominion 4-0 Saturday night at Klockner Stadium.
The Cavaliers fielded a string of players who spent the summer competing internationally, including U.S. Olympian Billy Walsh.
The Monarchs (0-1) countered with a core of young talent, including five freshmen and seven sophomores.
Suprisingly, it was a freshman who took command. Virginia's Brian West posted a goal and an assist in his first outing with the top-ranked Cavaliers.
West attacked the Monarchs from the start, smashing a tough shot just 10 seconds into the game. Keeper Ryan Duncan made the early save, but failed to stop West when he headed in the opening goal at 15:19.
``The kid's just outright fast,'' Virginia coach George Galnovatch said. ``On top of that he continues to get faster every day with his feet.''
Versatility and experience showed in the game, with the Cavaliers demonstrating one-touch passing that led to 20 shots. They flowed through transitions and dominated offensively, forcing freshman keeper Duncan to make eight saves.
Old Dominion coach Bob Warming substituted often, playing 16 of the 18 players who made the trip for the Monarchs season opener. Playing the No. 1 team in the country in front of 4,260 people was something he wanted each player to experience. The crowd for the Virginia opener was the fifth-largest in the history of the stadium.
``It's a start for us,'' Warming said. ``We started seven players with virtually no college experience. The experience was a wonderful start for us. We had some real glimmers in the game. It gives me hope for the future.''
The Monarchs pieced together attacks in the second half and were in great position to score on a corner when Carlos Vasco was tied up by a fallen defender.
The experienced Virginia attack ws just too strong, though. Andriy Shapowal, who assisted the opening goal, booted a 17-yard shot in at 31:48 of the first for the 2-0 lead.
Old Dominion came out strong in the second half, but Bill Lanza scored at 8:56 for the Cavaliers. Walsh headed a shot off the bar and Ben Olsen smoked in the rebound for the final score. by CNB