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BY MIKE SCANDURA J EFF CALDWELL LEARNED AN impor- tant lesson about being a soccer goalie when he was in elementary school: even the best keepers allow "soft" goals, and it's counter-productive to let that fester in your mind. "It's one of the hardest things for young keep- ers," Caldwell said. "I started playing the position when I was 6. My dad [Paul, who was a keeper at Davidson] was up front with me. He said if you can't handle being a hero at times, you can't handle being the goat. "That became clear to me at a young age. Some- times when you give up a goal you want to dig a hole and crawl in. But you can't dwell on it. Having that reality at a very young age made me realize that's the way it is." Caldwell is replacing Calle Brown this season for defending national champion Virginia. Brown, who recorded shutouts in the semifinals and final of the College Cup, was named the event's Defensive MVP. "Obviously there are big shoes to fill," Caldwell said. "But I don't think the amount of pressure you put on yourself should increase or decrease. I like to think Calle was great. But I'm here now, and we're different goalkeepers. "I have my own goals, and I'm pleased." Through Virginia's first eight games, Caldwell's record was 5-1-2, his goals-against average was a microscopic 0.83, his save percentage was .774 and he had four shutouts. UVa coach George Gelnovatch feels Caldwell possesses the qualities to be a solid goalie, both from a physical and mental standpoint. "Keeper is a position that requires somebody with the best concentration on the field," Gelno- vatch said. "You can't mishandle the ball. Jeff has that ability. "Being brave is another thing. The position re- quires you to put yourself in harm's way more than HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION Second-Year Jeff Caldwell Is Showing What Head Soccer Coach George Gelnovatch Wants In His Goalie