Cavalier Corner

October 2015

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Under-20 National Team last spring and another 10 after the World Cup with the Seattle Sounders U-23 team during the summer," he said. "I felt very sharp coming into the season." As far as Gelnovatch is concerned that experi- ence has proven to be invaluable. "He's had great experience at the youth national level," the Virginia coach said. "Granted, he hasn't played a lot of in-season college games, but he played in our spring games last year. "So far, all signs are pointing in the right direc- tion." Another reason for the Cavaliers' early-season success is Caldwell's ability to communicate with his teammates especially his defenders. "Communication is an important piece of that position," Gelnovatch said. "Jeff's vocal and un- derstands tactics. Some goalies don't get tactics and can't orchestrate the team. He has all of those at- tributes, including being vocal. Some goalies don't have that in their personality. Jeff is a vocal guy. "The guys respect him. He understands tactics. He asks questions. He wants to know what's going on, not only in goal, but also with the team as a whole. Those are very positive attributes for a goal keeper." With three of Virginia's starters on defense grad- uating from last year's team, the importance of Caldwell's being able to communicate with their replacements is magnified. "I think communication-wise we do very well," he said. "We've had some wrinkles, but from a communication standpoint we're pretty happy. "We haven't been leaking goals. That's a nice feeling." Caldwell feels something else: The necessity to continue playing at a high level because the Cava- liers wear a target on their collective backs. "I think that's the case with any great team, es- pecially coming off a championship year," he said. "We are the banner game for every team this year. "I wouldn't have it any other way." ◆

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