When it's time for a change, you've got to rearrange. The men's soccer team (11-6, 3-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference) will do just that for its game versus fifth-seeded Clemson (10-6-2, 2-3-1) in the first round of the ACC Tournament, in Charlottesville, Va.
Duke has been on a downward spiral as of late, losing its last three games. Coach John Rennie hopes to have found the solution to end this losing trend-the Blue Devil line-up for Thursday's game will feature some drastic changes.
Freshman Wes Dowd will replace junior Steve Maynard at midfield. Dowd played many minutes in the Charleston tournament and performed well. Another major change will occur at arguably the most important position on the field: goalie. Freshman Atli Knutsson, who has finally recovered from a broken leg suffered this summer, will replace junior John Morton in goal.
Because Duke has had a 10 day hiatus from competitive play, it has had plenty of time to allow this new line-up to gel. Rennie has tried many different line-up changes throughout the season-there is not one player that has started in all 17 games-and Thursday's game versus Clemson will determine whether or not he has finally found the right combination.
The Blue Devils, formerly ranked No. 1, are now in a must-win situation if they want to make it into the NCAA Tournament. Rennie thinks it will be a good game, and a win would help Duke's standings in its run for a tournament bid.
"Clemson is a good team that is also in contention for an NCAA bid," Rennie said. "It's good to play someone that's meaningful."
During the regular season, the Blue Devils defeated Clemson 2-1 on Sept. 21, in a heated contest. Brian Kelly scored the winning goal for Duke with 11 minutes left to go in the game after Tiger goalie Matt Jordan was ejected from the game with a red card for an intentional handball outside the box. The high emotions of the regular season game plus the run for an NCAA bid should provide for an exciting game on Thursday.
The Blue Devils are in the exact same post-season situation as they were last year. They must play well in order to advance to the NCAA tournament. Last year, Duke defeated Wake Forest in the quarterfinals 3-1 despite the fact the Demon Deacons took an early lead that held until the second half. The Blue Devils were eventually defeated in the semifinals by Virginia 4-1, but the win was enough to give them an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. At the tournament, Duke played impressive soccer and made it to the championship game, only to lose to the Wisconsin Badgers 2-0.
Last season's performance proves that the Blue Devils are not to be counted out no matter their record; they are always considered a threat to make it to the Final Four. With ten days rest and a new line-up, Duke should step on the field refreshed and ready to play.
If the Blue Devils defeat Clemson, they will face No. 1 seed Virginia on Friday at 7 p.m.
Notes: The All-ACC team was announced Wednesday night. Three Blue Devils were named to the team-Brian Kelly, first team; Jay Heaps, second team; and Evan Whitfield, second team. All three players were named to the All-ACC team last year as well.
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