Charlottesville, VA – With the University of Virginia starting a very young line-up for this exhibition match, including 6 freshmen, East Tennessee State University scored 2 first half goals before Virginia was able to get on the scoreboard. The game was halted because of lightning in the 38th minute. After a stoppage of 2 hours, the exhibition game was rescheduled for the next day after a rain and hail driven storm that reduced visibility to a matter of yards.

The match ended with East Tennessee State winning 2-1 over Virginia.

This year I’m going to concentrate on specific players at games to provide more comprehensive feedback on those players.

Starting Line-ups:
East Tennessee State University: 4-4-2.
F: Aaron Schoenfeld, David Geno,
M: Itode Fubara, Alesi Osorio, Blaike Woodruff, David Haba
D: Nate Hodges, Jaron Westbrook, Alex Hoyl, Matt Reed
GK: Ryan Coulter

University of Virginia: 4-4-2 with a flat central midfield.
F: Will Bates, Ryan Zinkhan
M: Brian Span, Ari Dimas, Eric Bird, Chris Somerville
D: Hunter Jumper, Greg Monaco, Grant Silvester, Kyler Sullivan
GK: Calle Brown

ETSU Observations

Senior Aaron Schoenfeld (East Tennessee State University) is a tall left-footed forward. He was tacitly involved in both goals. On the first goal, he dropped the ball back to the top of the box for David Haba who scored the goal to the far post. On the second goal, Itode Fubara’s header across the bar went over Schoenfeld’s head and Alesi Osorio whiffed on his first swipe but was able to plunk the ball in the net from a prone position 5 yards from goal. Schoenfeld has a solid body but doesn’t move appreciably well and lacks desire and bravery in the air. Even the diminutive Ari Dimas was able to beat Schoenfeld in the air. I’d like Schoenfeld to intelligently increase his work rate. I don’t see Schoenfeld as a MLS forward. For his professional aspirations, he may need to move back into the midfield or the defense.

Sophomore defensive midfielder Blaike Woodruff is a slight smallish player with a pension to tackle with enthusiasm and grit. He combined in the short game with Itode Fubara to work out of tight spaces. I need to see more from his passing, but he relishes in hitting.

Sophomore Itode Fubara was injured early in the game, but he was able to continue. He is a small player that was able to win a header in the box aiming for the tall target forward Aaron Schoenfeld that led to the second goal. He needs to be more involved in the game.

Virginia Observations

Redshirt left center back Greg Monaco is a physical player who battles for balls in the air. His determination is his best asset. His lack of foot speed is his worst. He allowed Aaron Schoenfeld to turn with the ball 30 yards from goal. He’s a steady defender, doubling Schoenfeld with Hunter Jumper as the first defender. Monaco tracks the ball in the air well. He’s better in the air than Schoenfeld even being 3 inches smaller. Monaco is a good passer with his left foot. He didn’t use his right foot for anything but standing and running. On corner kicks, he is a target coming from deep positions late.

Senior left back Hunter Jumper is a tall strong player with a cultured left foot. He had an assist on a corner kick to Will Bates’ head. Like Monaco, he didn’t use his right foot except for small touches. Jumper took the ball out of the air with his left foot to drop it accurately to Monaco. Jumper was too casual on his marking and closing on the ball allowing ETSU David Haba to win the ball in the midfield. Foot speed is a question that Jumper will need to address. Jumper gets down the left side frequently and he is a good crosser.

Junior Will Bates scored the first goal for Virginia redirecting a Hunter Jumper near post corner into the near post upper 90 in the 33rd minute. Prior to this goal, he wasn’t clearing enough space at his base to powerfully and accurately head the ball. His shooting wasn’t accurate, he took a 20 yard shot with time but his shot was high and wide. It was obvious that he picked the top corner but he wasn’t able to finish this shot. Bates didn’t take on defenders 1v1. This wasn’t Bates best game, he looks rusty.

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