Nov. 16, 2006
NORFOLK, VA -- The ODU men's soccer team notched the biggest win its history on Wednesday night with a 1-0 victory over North Carolina. Now the ODU men's soccer team will write another date on the calendar as they host the biggest game in program history at 7:00 pm Saturday night.
The Monarchs (14-5-2) will host the University of California - Santa Barbara (13-7) on Saturday in the NCAA College Cup's third round. The Monarchs have been to the NCAA Tournament for five straight years but this is the first time they have escaped the second round.
ODU advanced to the round of 16 on a penalty kick finished by Trevor Banks. Jared Kent was fouled by UNC's keeper in the box and was awarded a free kick. The goalie guessed left, Banks went right. The defense stepped up in the final minutes of the game and ODU won 1-0. The Gauchos shocked heavily-favored SMU 3-1. Sophomore Nick Perera scored first for UCSB and then freshman David Walker added the game-winner with just over a minute left in the first half. Goals and point-leader for the Gauchos Eric Avila would add the insurance goal in the 76th minute.
The Gauchos of UCSB are riding a three-game winning streak and have won seven of their last eight games. UCSB has the 26th best RPI in the country and have defeated three ranked teams this season including highly touted SMU on Wednesday night. The Gauchos are led by sophomore Eric Avila with 6 goals and 16 points. Senior Bryan Byrne tops the assists chart with eight.
ODU has the 16th best RPI in the country and have been riding superb defense all season long. Posting 10 shutouts as a team and jumping on the shoulders of freshman goalkeeper Evan Newton the defense has been lights out. CAA Defender of the Year David Horst anchors the back with Trevor Banks, Dylan Montambo, and either A.J. Kulp or Greg Mottinger. The defense has given up just 22 goals in 21 games this season.
The game is set to kick-off at 7:00 pm on Saturday night at the ODU Soccer Stadium. Tickets will be $7 for adults and $5 for youth, senior citizens, and ODU faculty and staff. ODU students will be admitted free with a valid I.D. In addition, all fans attending the ODU Lady Monarch basketball game with nationally ranked Kentucky at 4 p.m. at the Constant Center will be admitted to the NCAA mach for $5 with proof of their basketball game ticket stub.