Men's soccer kicks off ACC tourney against Wake

After last Saturday's 2-1 loss to James Madison, men's soccer head coach John Rennie gave the team an extra day of rest.

One might think that Rennie and the Blue Devils would have much to do before the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament begins today. In particular, because Duke finished the last six fixtures of its regular season with a 2-3-1 record.

Not only that, but the game against JMU represented the first time--despite Duke's losses this season--that the Blue Devils were outplayed.

Nevertheless Rennie remained clear about what antidote his squad needed.

"We are thin," Rennie said. "So some of our guys have been playing 90 minutes a game [all season]. The way we play, we rely on skill and finesse. Because we worked so hard all year, we need to get our sharpness and quickness back."

Many players welcomed the decision to rest their weary bodies.

"You can't help but tire out," junior midfielder Brian Kelly said. "The extra day lets us get our legs and enjoyment for playing back. Everyone is now fresher and more enthusiastic."

Freshman goalkeeper Jonathan Barth had another take. "The rest gave everybody on the team a chance to think about what we have to do," he said.

Despite the Blue Devils' recent disappointments, other ACC teams remain wary.

"Every team goes through highs and lows in the season," Virginia assistant coach George Gelnovatch said. "Every team makes some mistakes. We've been doing the same thing, but the difference is we got the wins.

"I have no doubt that Duke will do extremely well. I don't mean to demean their opponents, but it won't surprise me."

The coaches also attributed the Blue Devils' loss of momentum to forward Josh Henderson's absence due to injuries. Despite missing almost a third of the season, the freshman still managed to make the All-ACC second-team.

Kelly, who made first-team All-ACC, thinks Duke has learned from playing without the influential forward.

"Although there have been setbacks, we've created a lot of strengths, such that letdowns which would've affected us earlier in the season won't affect us now," Kelly said. "This team has become more strong-willed and focused."

Junior Tony Volpe has been impressive as a replacement in the line up for Henderson, especially in the air. But against Wake Forest today, Rennie plans to push All-ACC midfielder Jay Heaps --who was named ACC Rookie of the Year--up into center-forward. Rennie hopes to utilize Heaps' finishing skills and his instincts around the goal.

Duke intends to continue playing to its strength--soccer played on the ground with individual skill. It also will maintain its attack-minded 3-4-3 formation.

The Blue Devils have a calming influence outside the lines for the playoffs. Former four-year starting goalkeeper Garth Lagerwey began a volunteer stint on the coaching staff two weeks ago.

"[Garth] has helped my nerves a lot," Barth said. "He encouraged me to put the game in perspective, to have fun out there."

Many ACC coaches think Duke already has its NCAA berth sewn up, and that a good showing this weekend will only serve to improve its seeding.

"I would hope [the berth is secure]," Rennie said. "You don't want to put yourself at the mercy of the selection committee."

"As long as we're in [the NCAA tournament], that's what counts," Kelly said. "This team can beat any team in the nation. As long as we're in, [our seeding] is no concern."

Notes: The Blue Devils had two players named to the All-ACC first team. Kelly and Heaps were selected to the squad. In addition, freshmen Evan Whitfield and Henderson were named to the second team.