Jack Brown ‘23
Staff Editor
A top-of-the-table clash between Barristers United and Kerfuffle FC did not live up to its billing, as Barristers cruised to a comfortable 9-1 victory to cement their position as the best team in the illustrious SOCA Spring 2021 Co-Rec League 11v11 Division A.
The first half was a tight contest, with impressive heart shown by Kerfuffle FC who managed to hold Barristers to only a two-goal lead. Talent wasn’t the issue for Barristers; they lacked the dedication of Kerfuffle FC, whose passion for public service and disciplined defense kept the law students at bay.
A rousing halftime speech was enough to get the Barristers out of their slump. With an eloquent appeal by Captain Zach Turk ’21 to cheer themselves up by laughing at the author of this piece, the team roared to life in the second half. Led by the forward play of Doyle Tuvesson ’23 and Ardi Khalafi ’22, the Barristers scored at will. Any doubts the press had about Doyle’s ability to make the leap from Division 1 soccer to the SOCA league, or concerns about Ardi’s fitness after two weeks away due to injury were put to rest after a masterful performance.
On the other end of the field, backup goalkeepers Aziz Rashidzada ’23 and Tom Schnoor ’23 put in an impressive performance when needed while the rest of the defense was able to help keep possession. Many of the goals started from the back, with Stephen Wald ’22 showing how aggressive fullbacks can be taking every chance he could to take the ball up himself.
Kerfuffle FC has some faces that students at the Law School will be familiar with. One of them, Professor Thomas Frampton, when approached for a comment about the match, simply asked us to “put a string of expletives in there for me.” Another member of Kerfuffle asked if “there was a better league” for Barristers to play in. The answer to both of these questions is no, but we look forward to playing against this team again in the playoffs!
Looking ahead, the team has a break this weekend due to the long weekend. After a grueling season, it will be good for the players to take the time to see some family and get ready for the second half of this title run. This squad is far from their maximum potential and it seems like something truly special is brewing down in Charlottesville.
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jwb4bb@virginia.edu