Sept. 14, 2006
NORFOLK, VA--When 13/20th ranked Old Dominion Universitymeets #29 UNC Greensboro on Sunday at 2:30, one of the noticeable meetingswill be that of former pupil, ODU head coach Alan Dawson and his college coach Michael Parker of UNCG. The 31st annual ODU-Stihl Soccer Classic , presented by the Harbor Front Kiwanis and the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel starts Friday at the ODU Soccer Stadium with William and Mary (2-4) taking on UNCG (4-2) at 4:30 followed by ODU (3-1) and Loyola (Md.) 0-4 at 7 p.m. On Sunday, William and Mary will play Loyola at 12 noon followed by ODU and UNCG.
Both ODU and UNCG have made quite a few appearances in the NCAAtournament in recent years. UNCG reached the third round of the tournamenteach of the past two years and has made seven appearances since 1993. ODU hasadvanced to the tournament each of the last four years, and has been a top 12 seedeach of the last two under Dawson.
Dawson played for Parker at Lock Haven where he graduated in 1984. Hethen followed Parker to UNCG as graduate assistant from 1984-86. UNCG wonthe NCAA Division II title in 1985 and 1986.
"This is not the first time we have coached against each other, but I am certainly looking forward to seeing him as a person," said Dawson. "Obviously thefoundation of my coaching comes directly from Michael. I owe him a lot."
UNCG's squad features Randi Patterson, a senior forward who was a 2005 semifinalist for the Hermann Award (college soccer's player of the year) and is a two-time Southern Conference Player of the Year and All-American. Also on the squad is two time All-American midfielder Scott Jones and 2005 freshman All-American Jokull Elisabetarson. UNCG ranked as high as seventh nationally two weeks ago. ODU and UNCG have met three times with the Spartans leading, 3-0, including a 2-1 overtime decision in 2001.
ODU is riding a three-game winning streak after victories over defendingAtlantic 10 champion Rhode Island and an Elon team, who is averaging over threegoals per game and popped into the top 25 this week. ODU ranks 13th by College SoccerNews and 20th by the coaches NSCAA/adidas poll.
Loyola is coached by Mark Mettrick and his Greyhounds are led by midfielder Rade Kokovic who has three assists and a goal. ODU and Loyola last met in 1999 withThe Greyhounds winning, 1-0 and leading the series, 13-5-2.
William and Mary is coached by Chris Norris who is in his third season at the helm of the Tribe. The Tribe opened the season with five straight games against teams who competed in last year's NCAA tournament and is third in the CAA in goals scored with seven and first in saves with 34. Andrew Hoxie leads the team with two goals and one assist, and Doug Ernst has one goal and two assists. Goalkeeper Kris Rake is second in the CAA with 21 saves.
Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for children or purchase a ticket book for $25and receive 10 admissions. Come out and win a chance for Stihl products. For more information call 683-5484.