Virginia Beach United Midseason Grades
By Nick King — June 17, 2024
With six games played, and six games remaining, Virginia Beach United has reached the halfway point of its 2024 USL2 campaign. Currently, United sits in second place in the Chesapeake Division with a 4-1-1 record, marking the best midseason position and record in franchise history! En route to that success, some key players and position groups have surpassed preseason expectations, while others have failed to contribute as expected. Here are the official grades for Virginia Beach United for the first half of the season:
Griffin Potter in a home loss to Lionsbridge F.C. (May 11, 2024)
Goalkeeper: A
Standout Player: Griffin Potter
Netminder Griffin Potter has not just been good through six games; he has been nothing short of spectacular! The Virginia Wesleyan graduate has conceded a mere four scores through six matches, or 0.66 goals per game. To put this in perspective, United relinquished 50% more tallies at this stage last season.
However, Potter’s otherwise flawless record has a slight tarnish: one-half of the goals he let slip came off the foot of a lowly Patuxent team. It’s worth noting that one of those two goals was objectively not his fault, stemming from a careless turnover from Bomba Hermoso (more on that later). Nonetheless, an A+ grade implies perfection, and Potter’s minute blemish leaves just shy of that mark.
Other keepers have also had their chances. VCU’s Trevor Maloney showed promise in his one limited appearance, but Potter remains the standout. His lengthy build combined with his agility have been key, allowing him to cover large areas of both the box and goal with ease. Just like the famous book character of the same name, Potter has worked his magic time and time again to lift his team. United fans can only hope his charm doesn’t fade.
Jonathon Leiding in a 4-1 win over Patuxent (May 22, 2024)
Defense: B
Standout Player: Jonathon Leiding
Virginia Beach United’s defense is easily the most challenging position group to grade. Although the team has conceded very few goals, it's unclear if this success is primarily due to the backline or the goalkeeper. From my vantage point, much of the credit for the team’s strong performance goes to Potter, as reflected in his grade. However, this does not imply that United’s defensive unit has played poorly – they have actually performed quite well. With that said, that back third of the pitch has yet to be truly tested. Four home games, minimal competition and adversity on the road, and facing both Charlottesville and Lionsbridge when each was not at full strength have likely contributed to Virginia Beach’s success. Nevertheless, one can only grade based on available evidence, and what has been shown merits a B grade.
Many readers might be surprised to see Jonathon “J-Man” Leiding highlighted as the standout player over captain and star performer Bomba Hermoso. Offensively, you could argue that both have been equally efficient, with each scoring one goal this season while starting all six games. However, Lieding has been far more involved in United’s attack. The Christopher Newport graduate frequently pushed up during United’s offensive possessions and has been a force in the box during set pieces. Last season, Hermoso was United’s offensive alpha, leading the team in goals and even switching over to striker when injuries affected the team’s attack. This year, however, Hermoso appears more reserved in scoring opportunities. The change in play might be due to a new game plan from first-year head coach Chris Mills, but regardless, Ledigin has resultingly emerged as a slightly superior offensive weapon compared to Hermoso.
Bomba Hermoso turnover that leads to Patuxent score (May 22, 2024)
Where Leiding distinguishes himself from his counterpart is defensively. The Virginia Beach native has been a stonewall defender, effectively shutting down opposing teams’ star goal scorers. Leiding has improved his first step from last season, and his athleticism is frequently on display when retreating to defend against breakaways. In contrast, Hermosos has been a valuable asset during set pieces, using his size to head balls and shield opponents from clear scoring chances. However, the University of Charleston product has shown a tendency to be careless. Twice this season, Hermoso has lackadaisically turned the ball over leading to one-on-one scoring opportunities between an opposing striker and the goalkeeper. These errors directly resulted in one goal. Fortunately for Hermoso, that goal came in a home match against Patuxent, which United went on to win 4-1. Nonetheless, the captain’s carelessness needs to be addressed as Virginia Beach heads into the more challenging half of its season.
Alexander Moody after a score in a 3-0 win over Charlottesville Blues F.C. (May 18, 2024)
Midfield: B+
Standout Player: Alexander Moody
If you were to tell me that United’s midfield deserves an A- for their midseason grade, I would consider that a reasonable opinion and likely shake your hand. However, I insist that this unit deserves a B+ grade, and here’s why.
The best aspect of United’s midfield so far is its consistency. Consistent in performance, consistent in efficiency, and consistent with who is on the field. The latter just might be the most important. In six USL2 games, the starting group has remained the same four times, the most of any position group excluding goalkeeper. The trio of Alexander Moody, Cooper Kieran, and Joshua Condit adds layers of intricate expertise and leadership to Virginia Beach’s squad. The oldest position group on the team plays like it, with all three players, especially Kieran, having superb vision that has significantly contributed to the high-quality scoring looks United has garnered so far this season. Furthermore, each man’s attentiveness to surrounding defenders and meticulousness when it comes to ball handling has limited turnovers, elongated United’s total possession time, and frustrated opposing teams.
Where this group’s grade takes a slight hit is in the scoring category. Through the first part of its 2024 campaign, Virginia Beach United’s midfield has marked as many goals as its defensive unit. Cooper Kieran has yet to record a point, while Peekay Stoffle’s only tally came in a 4-1 victory over Patuxent. Currently, it is Alexander Moody who has been the lone offensive aficionado for United in the midfield, making him the clear standout player of the group. The Virginia Wesleyan graduate is tied for the team lead with two goals and five points while having played a United-best all 540 minutes this season. Moody’s speed allows him to breeze past defenders effortlessly, and his quick reactions and powerful right fool enable him to take shots on goal via the volley, off of crosses, from the wing, and more. Coupled with his leadership as co-captain, Moody clearly stands out as the shining jewel amongst a sparkling United midfield.
Ethan Taylor and a young fan prior to a friendly with Ashland Town F.C. (June 5, 2024)
Attack: B+
Standout Player: Ethan Taylor
Unlike the midfield, the main issue with United’s attack has been consistency. Virginia Beach fans anticipate seeing Sammy Murphy and Ethan Taylor on opposite wings, but the center forward position has experienced a greater amount of shuffling than a worn deck of cards at a backroom poker table. The shifts from Wayland to Phillips, then back to Wayland, followed by Ennin, over to Valiente, and all the way back to Ennin have left fans’ heads spinning. Nevertheless, the attack has been effective, with a total of four goals scored by the group, placing them at the top of all three position groups in terms of scoring. However, this figure could arguably be higher given the number of home games and often lower level of competition. Nonetheless, with only one shutout conceded, the group earns a strong and solid B+.
The most challenging part when analyzing the attack was selecting the standout player. There were two legitimate contenders: Sammy Murphy and Ethan Taylor. Murphy, a rookie standout from Lousiville, is tied for first on the team in goals with two and points with five. However, despite these impressive statistics, Murphy isn’t the central figure in United’s attack. That role belongs to Ethan Taylor, which is why he gets the acknowledgment as the standout player.
Although Taylor, a rising JMU redshirt senior, has one goal less than Muprhy, his three assists highlight his role as United’s primary playmaker. Taylor’s rapid pace and quick step allow him to swiftly breeze past defenders along the right flank. Moreover, his gentile yet powerful touch has earned him the responsibility of taking all corner kicks for United. Taylor’s role as the premier playmaker and weapon for this United attack undoubtedly earns him the label as the group's standout.
Head Coach Chris Mills: A-
The Chris Mills era at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex has been undeniably sweet so far. With a franchise-best record and position through six games, an influx of new talent performing at a high level, and an energized locker room, all signs point to the hire being a success. However, there remains one hurdle before Mills can earn an A grade: defeating Lionsbridge F.C.
In nine head-to-head matchups, Virginia Beach has a dismal record of 1-8-1 against the 2023 USL2 runner-ups, with the sole victory coming in 2019. The adage “to be the best, you have to beat the best” holds true here for Mills as well. While his team is currently playing its best soccer in franchise history, Lionsbride still lurks in the shadow as the premier team in the Chesapeake Division. Until Virginia Beach can definitively lift the monkey that is Lionsbridge off its shoulders, I find it difficult to award the inaugural coach top marks. Mills’ current record stands at 0-1 against F.C., with his next opportunity coming on July 6th.