Sept. 20, 2005
NORFOLK, VA--The #18 Old Dominion University Soccer Monarchs face the #4 Virginia Cavaliers at home Wednesday night for the first time since 1997. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. After a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of #2 North Carolina last Sunday, the Monarchs now own a 3-1-1 record on the season. Virginia has gotten off to an unbeaten 4-0-1 start in 2005, including a 2-0 victory over N.C. State last Saturday.
ODU is currently ranked 18th by the NSCAA/adidas coaches poll, 21st by College Soccer News, and 23rd by Soccer Times. The Monarchs are 4-14-2 all-time against UVA, with their last victory coming in 1997 at home. Virginia came into that match ranked 1st in the country, and were defeated by ODU 1-0 in Coach Alan Dawson's first year with the team. Last season, the Monarchs were defeated by Virginia in Charlottesville 4-1 to end a six match unbeaten streak. Senior Brian Cvilikas (Highland Ranch, CO) has scored three goals in the past two games, and is 2nd in the CAA in shots per game. As a team, the Monarchs lead the CAA in shots taken and rank 2nd in shutouts earned with 2. ODU has seen important contributions from their rookies, with Trevor Banks (Madison, WI) tied for team lead in goals (3) and Yomby William becoming a defensive mainstay on the backline. Both have already earned CAA Co-Rookie of the Week awards for their efforts this season.
Virginia is ranked #4 by the NSCAA/adidas coaches poll, 6th by College Soccer News, and 9th by Soccer America. The Cavaliers are one of only two teams in the nation yet to be scored on in 2005, holding a 10-0 edge in goals scored over their opponents. As a team, they have only given up 12 shots on goal through their first five contests. Junior Adam Cristman has led the way for Virginia in the early going with four goals and nine points overall. He leads the ACC in shots per game and ranks 4th in goals. Goalkeeper Ryan Burke has played all 470 minutes between the pipes for the Cavaliers, and leads the ACC in shutouts with 5. Junior Ian Holder is a Norfolk native who played his prep ball at Norfolk Academy. Holder's four points scored ranks 4th on the team.
The Monarchs travel to #23 Davidson for a Saturday afternoon contest. Game time is 2:00 p.m. ODU's next home match is Sunday October 2nd for their first ever match against new CAA addition Georgia State.