Feb. 5, 2011
NORFOLK, VA--Old Dominion University head men's soccer coach Alan Dawson announced the signing of All-State midfielder Sidney Rivera (Hampton, NJ.) of North Hunterdon High School to a letter of intent to play for the Monarchs in the 2011 season.
" Sidney is a gifted attacking player who combines his physical size with his natural instincts around goal," Said Dawson. " He adds another dimension to our attack and we are excited to have him join our Monarch Soccer family."
Rivera led North Hunterdon High School in Annandale, NJ. with 19 goals along with nine assists. Rivera scored two goals six times. His multiple goals came against Hillsborough, Franklin, Watchung Hills Regional, Montgomery, High Point and Hackettstown High Schools. In the Franklin match, one of the goals was on a kick-off.
Rivera was named first team All-Skyland Conference and was selected All-State Central Section 1. He was the Express Times Boys Soccer Player of the Week during the week of Oct. 5.
Rivera played midfield and forward for Match Fit Academy and led the U15/16 Academy team in goals scored during the 2009-10 season. He has also been selected for the New Jersey ODP team, Super Y ODP team and most recently the 2010 New Jersey market Training Session for the best players from each academy in the New Jersey-Pennsylvania area.
" I decided on ODU because I feel it is the right place for me to continue improving both on the field, as a player, and off the field, as a person and student," said Rivera. " Once I stepped onto the campus I fell in love with the school. The facilities are top notch, the people are very welcoming, and the surrounding area of Norfolk is very appealing. Above all, I think the coaches and the soccer teams prestige were my deciding factor. Coach Dawson and Coach Sniegoski made me very comfortable and a part of the Monarch family since day one. I am very excited to help continue ODU's success."
The son of Carlos and Ana Rivera, Sidney plans to major in Exercise Science atOld Dominion.