Noon, Highmark Stadium

With the training sessions in Houston well in the rear view mirror, the home portion of the preseason schedule begins, today, with a visit from the Virginia Cavaliers. Easily the most technically sound of the college clubs making a trip to Highmark Stadium, the 2013 ACC runners-up College Cup semifinalist will pose a fair test to Evans’ squad.

For Virginia, this is an excellent chance for a team expected to contend for an ACC title in 2014. The Cavaliers will be making their second trip to face to the Hounds, in as many years. George Gelnovatch’s amateur side return nine starters from 2013, which includes players that accounted for 93 percent of the team’s scoring. This is Virginia’s first of six spring games, with contests against the Rochester Rhinos and New York Cosmos, also planned.

The big question, for the Hounds, will be about the how Justin Evans’ squad has come together over the past couple of weeks. How have the new faces worked themselves into the team? How will some of the individuals equip themselves for a chance in the starting XI or a spot on the bench. With, at least, four players still to arrive from Houston, these exhibition games will be huge for a couple guys whose roles on this team are more murky than others.

TAILGATE

The pre-game festivities begin at 9am in the Highmark Stadium’s West parking lot. It’s isn’t just time for the players in get back into game shape. We’ve got our own form to redevelop. It’s a long road ahead for all of us, and it starts today.

#UNLEASH