Virginia vs. UMBC: 10 Bold Predictions
Dec 13, 2013; Chester, PA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers defenseman Kyler Sullivan (13) dribbles the ball in front of Maryland Terrapins midfielder Alex Shinsky (9) at PPL Park. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
The MLS Multiplex is on campus-Cary, N.C., that is-for the 2014 NCAA Division I College Cup. Four teams are left standing in the national tournament that will determine the best men’s college soccer program in the country. George Gelnovatch’s Virginia Cavaliers are 12-6-3 heading into their match with the Cinderellas of the tournament, Pete Caringi, Jr.’s UMBC Retrievers, who are 14-5-5.
Virginia, after falling short in the ACC Tournament against Notre Dame, opened their tournament run with a 3-1 victory over UNC WIlmington in the second round. They got their revenge with a 1-0 shutout win over the Irish in the third round before prevailing on penalties, 5-4, over Georgetown following a 1-1 draw in the quarters.
On the other hand, UMBC did things the hard way. In the first round, they defeated Wake Forest 3-2 on penalties following a scoreless draw. The second round saw the Retrievers shut out Maryland 1-0 and Louisville in the third round by the same score. The quarterfinals pitted UMBC with Creighton. Following another scoreless draw, the Retrievers advanced on penalties, 4-3.
Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET and will be televised by ESPNU. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for today’s NCAA College Cup semifinal between Virginia and UMBC.
1. No goals for UMBC
First off, thanks for playing, oh University of Maryland-Baltimore County, but this is the end of the road. All good Cinderella runs have to come to an end at some point, and for the Retrievers, their journey ends today. There will be no goals for UMBC against Virginia.
2. Under five saves for Billy Heavner
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In the last match against Crieghton, UMBC goalkeeper Billy Heavner made just one save all game. This season, the 6-2, 185-pound sophomore from Landisville, Pa. has made 48 saves but will make a few more today. The MLS Multiplex is boldly predicting for under five saves from Heavner against the Cavaliers.
3. At least five saves from Calle Brown
Redshirt senior Calle Brown is one of the leaders of this Virginia team. The 6-5, 200-pound netminder from Leesburg, Va. stood on his head against Georgetown, making six saves in the process. Brown is boldly predicted to make a similar amount against a UMBC attack with nothing to lose. The Plex calls for at least five saves from Brown against the Retrievers.
4. At least four cards and 40 fouls
This is playoff soccer at its finest. There will be cards, fouls, plenty of action. The MLS Multiplex is boldly predicting for at least four cards issued and 40 fouls whistled.
5. Eric Bird will score
Eric Bird is your man to watch for Virginia. He is a 5-11, 170-pound senior midfielder from Virginia Beach, Va, a local product with a huge upside. Mostly because he has been invited to the MLS Combine. Here is a chance for Bird to prove his credentials with a goal and an assist against UMBC.
6. Nicko Corriveau will score
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Considered by yours trulu as the successor to Bird in terms of scoring punch, sophomore forward/midfielder Nicko Corriveau is the real deal. This season, Corriveau has scored four goals and is the second-leading goalscorer for the Wahoos. Watch for Nicko to score in the second half against UMBC.
7. Todd Wharton on the feast
Todd Wharton is a 6-0/170 pound junior midfielder from Glen Allen, Va. and scored for Virginia in their quarterfinal match with the Hoyas. Wharton only has three goals this season for the Cavaliers but is dangerous as a midfielder and a spot kick specialist. We here at the Plex got Wharton scoring today in the first half.
8. Scott Thomsen with three assists
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With eight assists this year, Virginia midfielder Scott Thomsen is the Cavaliers’ top provider. Thomsen is a 5-10/165 pound junior midfielder/defender from Brick, N.J. and brings toughness and leadership to the midfield. The MLS Multiplex boldly predicts that Thomsen will record three assists on the day.
9. Here comes Darius Madison
Darius Madison is a 5-8, 160-pound junior forward from Philadelphia, Pa. that has three goals this season for Virginia. What Madison lacks in size he makes up with speed and pace. And he can shoot, Indeed, Madison is Virginia’s trigger man, leadin the team in shots this season with 40. Watch for UVA’s No. 9 to get in on goal against UMBC.
10. Virginia advances to the College Cup Final
No one should underestimate the heart of the UMBC Retrievers, since they got to the home of the Carolina RailHawks the hard way. But, on paper, this is a Virginia team capable to winning hardware. Bruce Arena, once upon a time, was the boss at Virginia before taking his trade to MLS. Look for the Cavaliers to chase the dogs out of WakeMed Soccer Park.
Virginia 4, UMBC 0