What Is 2013 VCU Rams men's soccer team

Overview

The 2013 VCU Rams men's soccer team represented Virginia Commonwealth University in the NCAA Division I men's soccer season. Under first-year head coach Dave Giffard, the team showed marked improvement over previous seasons, posting a winning record and making a deep run in the conference tournament.

Playing their home games at Sports Backers Stadium in Richmond, Virginia, the Rams competed in the Atlantic 10 Conference. The team finished the season with a 10-7-2 overall record and a 5-3-1 mark in conference play, earning the third seed in the A-10 Tournament.

• Record: The Rams finished the season with a 10-7-2 overall record, a significant improvement from the previous year’s 6-10-2 mark.
• Conference Standing: They placed third in the Atlantic 10 regular-season standings with a 5-3-1 conference record, securing a top-four seed.
• Head Coach: Dave Giffard took over as head coach in 2013, becoming the program’s seventh head coach in its history.
• Tournament Run: VCU advanced to the A-10 Tournament semifinals, defeating Dayton in the quarterfinals before falling to Saint Louis 3-1.
• Home Venue: The team played all home matches at Sports Backers Stadium, a 3,500-capacity soccer-specific venue in downtown Richmond.

How It Works

The 2013 season marked a transitional year for the VCU men's soccer program under new leadership and evolving team dynamics. The following elements were central to understanding the team’s structure, performance, and season trajectory.

• Roster Composition: The squad included 10 returning starters and 12 new players, including seven freshmen and five transfers, reshaping team depth.
• Offensive Output: VCU scored 23 goals in 19 games, averaging 1.21 goals per match, with Joseph Maglich leading the team with 6 goals.
• Defensive Record: The Rams allowed 21 goals over the season, posting 7 shutouts and maintaining a goals-against average of 1.11.
• Key Match: A 2-1 double-overtime win over George Mason on September 20 highlighted their mid-season momentum and resilience.
• Player Development: Midfielder Jordan Gorman emerged as a key playmaker, logging 4 assists and anchoring the central midfield.
• Recruiting Impact: The 2013 recruiting class, ranked in the top 50 nationally by TopDrawerSoccer, contributed immediate depth and versatility.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2013 VCU Rams to recent seasons and conference peers reveals performance trends and competitive positioning.

The 2013 season mirrored VCU’s strong performances from the late 2000s and early 2010s, though the team did not qualify for the NCAA Tournament. Despite a solid 10-win season and semifinal appearance, the Rams fell short of national postseason inclusion due to a weaker RPI ranking. The coaching transition from Ted Robinson to Dave Giffard marked a shift in leadership, but on-field results remained consistent with historical standards.

Why It Matters

The 2013 campaign was significant for maintaining program stability during a coaching change and reestablishing competitive credibility in the Atlantic 10 Conference. The season laid the foundation for future growth under Giffard’s leadership.

• Program Continuity: Achieving a 10-win season ensured continuity after the departure of long-time coach Ted Robinson.
• Recruiting Momentum: Strong freshman contributions validated the new coaching staff’s recruiting strategy and player evaluation.
• Conference Competitiveness: Finishing third in the A-10 demonstrated VCU’s ability to remain a top-tier team in a competitive league.
• Player Development: Several underclassmen gained critical experience, setting the stage for future success in 2014 and beyond.
• Facility Utilization: Continued use of Sports Backers Stadium enhanced fan engagement and provided a consistent home-field advantage.
• National Exposure: Competitive matches against ranked teams helped raise the program’s national profile despite no NCAA appearance.

While the 2013 VCU Rams did not reach the NCAA Tournament, their season represented a successful transition year that preserved the program’s winning culture and set expectations for sustained competitiveness in the years to come.