University of Virginia Library

Rebounding Booters Test Duke

BY DOUG DOUGHTY

With the memory of a
heartbreaking 1-0 loss to UNC fresh
in its mind, the Cavalier soccer
team travels to Durham, N.C.,
today, to meet Duke in what ranks
as a "must" game in the
University's run at a third straight
ACC title.

Due to the fact that the two
teams have met no common
opponents, the Blue Devils remain
something of an unknown for
Coach Jim Stephens and his
charges. Nonetheless, the Iron
Dukes gave Virginia fits in losing
2-1, last year, and their 8-3 finish
represented the most wins ever for
a Duke soccer team.

Nine returning lettermen return
under Roy Skinner, who expects
one of his best seasons ever after
Duke was ranked eighth in the
South last fall. Pacing the returnees
are captain Lou Lothman, at
halfback, and lineman Pato
Gutlerrez. Gutierrez, a sophomore
hailing from Santiago, Chile,
garnered All-ACC and 2nd-team All
South honors as a freshman.

Joining Gutierrez on the front
line will be underclassmen John
Leavens, Richard Gutierrez (Pato's
brother) and Dale Cheek. Leavens
was Blue Devil rookie-of-the-year
last year and Richard Gutierrez
returns to the Duke program after a
year of club soccer. At halfback
should be Lothman, Carlos
Berrendero and Tom Colantuano.

A host of veterans returns at
fullback led by Mike DeCroce, last
season's top defensive star. Joining
him will be Bank Minor, Jeff
Holcomb and Scott Hutchinson.
Chico DiBella, who also played club
ball last year, is the only senior
other than Lothman on the squad.
Junior Bob James, a stand-in last
year, should man the Duke goal
against the Cavaliers.

Unable to substitute as freely as
they can during unrestricted state
and non-conference games, the
Cavaliers will probably use fourteen
players extensively, as they have
most of the year.

The defense, led by surprising
first-year netminder Scott Peyton
should remain fairly intact.