By By Dave Diamond

THE TODD FILES

It may come as a surprise to those following the men’s soccer team throughout the season, but Friday’s exciting 2-1 overtime win at William & Mary was the first win for the Pride this year in which leading scorer Michael Todd failed to tally a goal. The team had been 7-0-1 in games in which he scored and was held scoreless in the team’s three losses up to that point. Instead, it was fellow offensive players, Constantinos Christoudias and Chris Cox ,that led the Pride to victory. Todd, however, did manage an assist.

Meanwhile, after scoring in 10 of the team’s first 11 games, Todd has hit his first real drought this season. He has been held scoreless in the last three games, but is not alone, as the Pride was shutout in two of those games.

EYE-POPPING

Every year a team will remember the one goal that stands out in terms of sheer athletic brilliance, and according to those on the team, this year’s honor goes to Cox.

For those who were not able to attend the William & Mary game on Friday in Virginia, ask any of the coaches to explain just how Cox was able to pull it off and they will happily describe. Cox was covered in a usually non-dangerous 35-foot range and while holding off his man, buried a golden goal into the top corner. The laser shot not only wowed coaches and teammates, but gave the Pride an overtime victory too.

For the record, it happened to be the fourth overtime game in five contests for the Pride since starting CAA action. The competition in the conference has proven to be extremely tight.

HANGING TOUGH

The loss Sunday to No. 3 Old Dominion University (ODU) blemished an impressive record against nationally ranked opponents. The Pride fell to 8-2 in its last ten against Top 25 teams, but the impressive record does have its exceptions.