Virginia vs. UCLA: 10 Bold Predictions
Jul 9, 2014; Cary, NC, USA; Carolina Railhawks players warm up prior to the game against FC Dallas at WakeMed Soccer Park. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Sunday is NCAA College Cup Day, and one week following MLS Cup, Jorge Salcedo’s UCLA Bruins are looking to wrap up a unique double for Los Angeles in winning MLS Cup and the College Cup in the same calendar year. They have a tough challenge in George Gelnovatch’s Virginia Cavaliers, who eked out a gritty 1-0 victory over the UMBC Retrievers to make it to the final. However, UCLA withstood a spirited Providence Friars side 3-2 in extra time to make it to Sunday’s contest and are a battle-hardened bunch.
Kickoff is scheduled for 9 a.m. PT/12 p.m. ET and will be televised by ESPNU. A live blog will be scheduled for 7 a.m. PT/10 a.m. ET on the MLS Multiplex. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for the 2014 College Cup final between the Virginia Cavaliers and UCLA Bruins.
1. At least 40 fouls and four cards
Think of this as Los Angeles Galaxy vs. D.C. United, college soccer style. Both teams are close to their respective MLS sides, both have already lifted the hardware numerous times, and both will be looking to be physical in their play.
2. At least four saves from Earl Edwards, Jr.
UCLA goalkeeper Earl Edwards, Jr., a 6-3, 205-pound redshirt senior out of San Diego, is due for the game of his life. He came up huge in the semifinal with Providence, but Virginia poses a unique challenge. Watch for Edwards to stand on his head and make at least four saves.
3. Under four saves from Calle Brown
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Virginia goalkeeper Calle Brown did well enough to secure the shutout against UMBC, but the UCLA Bruins have a lot of weapons that could overwhelm the 6-5, 200-pound senior out of Leesburg, Va. Brown is boldly predicted to make at under four saves.
4. Darius Madison to score for Virginia
We were on the spot when we boldly predicted that Darius Madison, the 5-8, 160-pound junior forward out of Philadelphia would score against UMBC. The speedy trigger man for the Cavaliers will be on the feast once more in the NCAA College Cup final with one more goal. Could Madison be a Generation Adidas player after this? Stay tuned…
5. Larry Ndjock with a brace
We were also correct when we said that Larry Ndjock would score in the first half against Providence, but we didn’t think he was going to come up huge with a brace. With seven goals this year, the 5-9, 172-pound junior from Berlin and Hertha BSC Berlin will be out to lay his stamp on the competition. Look for Ndjock to score in both halves again.
6. Leo Stolz with an MVP moment
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Perhaps a little inspiration from Robbie Keane will make Leo Stolz, a 5-11, 170-pound senior from Munich, formerly of 1860 Munich, the MVP of this match. Stolz is a Hermann Trophy finalist, and if there was ever a time for him to prove his credentials, Sunday is the day. Watch for Stolz to score a goal and two assists in this one.
7. No goals for Nicko Corriveau
This season, Nicko Corriveau, a 5-11, 160-pound sophomore from Potomac, Md. has scored four goals and is the second-leading goalscorer for Virginia. We boldly predicted that he would be on goal in the semifinals, but we got that wrong. So we are boldly predicting that he will not get on the scoresheet in this game.
8. No goals for Abu Danladi
UCLA’s Abu Danladi is a 5-10, 170-pound forward from Takoradi, Ghana, and the Santa Barbara Soccer Club. Danladi five goals and five assists to his name and came close a number of times against providence. The MLS Multiplex boldly predicts that Danladi will not score in this match.
9. A penalty will be awarded
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This game won’t go to extra time, but we think that the traffic in the box is going to force a penalty of some sorts. The MLS Multiplex is boldly predicting that a penalty will be awarded late in the second half.
10. UCLA will go out on top on Sunday
One can argue that Jorge Salcedo is the Bruce Arena of soccer minds here in Los Angeles. Both manager have been successful in their respective teams, both coach in the Southland, and both are highly regarded. Albeit, Bruce’s college gig was at Virginia, but that’s a different story. To wrap this up, UCLA are predicted to win it all. The end.
“I alluded to Bruce Arena earlier, and I think Bruce has great perspective of the game from top to bottom,” Salcedo told MLSSoccer.com’s Sam Stejskal. “When he comes to our games [at UCLA], he’s made the comment that he thinks that the rosters now in terms of quality are much better than they were back when he was the coach at Virginia.
“I firmly believe that college soccer continues to be an important pillar in the development of players, in the development of professional soccer players and ultimately national team players. Our country is much different than any other soccer nation in the world, and for our kids to be able to mature and develop… in college soccer, I think makes it an integral thing for a lot of players.”
UCLA 3, Virginia 1