Aug. 14, 2011
NORFOLK, VA--The ODU Soccer Monarchs host the Hokies of Virginia Tech Tuesday night in an exhibition match at 7 p.m. in the ODU Soccer Complex. The Monarchs rank 26th nationally by College Soccer News.
The Monarchs reached the NCAA second round last season will be led by All-CAA returnees Jordan LeBlanc , a Jr. midfielder, sophomore forward Gideon Asante, along with senior defender Tommy Webb, Junior midfielder Chris Harmon, sophomore defenderAlex De John and junior forward Yannick Smith.
Virginia Tech returns three of its top four scorers in sophomore forward Mikey Minutillo (5 gls, 1ast), Junior midfielder Robert Alberti (4 gls, 1 ast) and sophomore midfielder David Clemens (4 gls, 1 ast). Virginia Tech also returns bothKeepers from last season in sophomore Kyle Refro (0.97) and senior James Daly (3.27 GAA), The Hokies are coached by Michael Brizendine, beginning his third season in Blacksburg.
Under the direction of head coach Alan Dawson who is beginning his 15th season, the Monarchs have reached the second round of the NCAA College Cup seven times in the last nine years. Last season, ODU defeated second ranked North Carolina in the regular season and 2009 National Champion Virginia In the NCAA College Cup first round.
ODU will play at George Washington on Aug. 21st. in the final exhibition match, then opens the regular season on Sunday, August 14, 2011 Aug. 28 against Navy at home.
The annual Stihl Soccer Classic, Sept. 9 and 11 which will include Monmouth, William and Mary and East Tennessee State. On the road, ODU will travel to North Carolina on Sept. 27th and play in West Virginia's Tournament, Sept. 2 and 4.