The Cavalier men’s soccer team lost several key players from last season’s National Championship squad. Household names Ross LaBauex, Neil Barlow, Chris Agorsor and Tony Tchani all moved on following the team’s sixth national title victory. These players will be missed in the attacking and middle thirds of the field. Senior Greg Monaco and junior Hunter Jumper solidly anchor the Virginia defense, while junior goalkeeper Diego Restrepo returns to guard the net.

The bulk of the 2010 team’s offensive production has come from a core group of younger players. Entering the third week of competition, three of the Cavaliers’ top goal scorers are underclassmen. Sophomore forward Will Bates (last season’s leading scorer) has two goals already, and is hungry for a few more after sitting out against Marist on Tuesday night; Bates suffered a minor injury against Duke on Sept. 11, but will be back in action against Wake Forest this Saturday. Sophomore defender Sean Hiller has tallied two goals and one assist while Brian “Cobi” Span, a freshman forward, has two goals and two assists, in addition to an impressive Mohawk that corresponds to his flashy style of play.

This season, the middle third of the field has become the domain of sophomore midfielder Ari Dimas. Known for his scrappy style of play and excellent foot skills, Dimas runs the table for Virginia in the midfield. He has two assists already in 2010, surpassing his total from 2009. Last season, he saw time in 20 of 25 contests, and became a hero to every Cavalier fan through his game-winning goal against Portland in the third round of the NCAA Tournament.

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