NORFOLK, VA-- The 37th annual ODU Stihl Soccer Classic kicks off this weekend with another strong field at the ODU Soccer Complex with VCU, Seton Hall and Winthrop. Action begins Friday Sept. 7 at 4:30 with VCU (1-0-2) against Winthrop (2-1), followed by ODU (2-0) and Seton Hall (2-2) at 7:00 p.m. On Sunday, Sept. 9 Seton Hall will play VCU at 12 noon, followed by ODU and Winthrop at 2:30 p.m.
The Monarchs have already beaten Navy and Central Florida thus far this season, and rank sixth nationally by Soccer America, 11th by CollegeSoccer News, and 15th by the NSCAA and Soccer Times. Senior Chris Harmon along with Jordan LeBlanc lead the team with two goals and one assist each for five points, while the defensive side led by senior goalkeeper Victor Francoz, the Monarchs have not allowed a goal. Both Francoz and All-American forward Yannick Smith are on the 2012 Missouri Athletic Club's Hermann Trophy watch list. ODU head coach Alan Dawson has 302 careerwins.
Seton Hall is led by Max Garcia with two goals and one assist for five points. Garcia, a junior forward was named to the BIGEAST honor roll this week, and was the team's top scorer last season. Goalkeeper Michael Kuzan has one shutout and 10 saves. Head Coach Gerson Echeverry is in his first year at the helm of his Alma mater where he is the school's fourth all-time scorer. This is the first ever meeting between the two schools.
Winthrop has seven players who have scored at least one goal thus far this season led by Mason Lavalletwith two goals and one assist, along with All-Big South defender Daniel DiBiagio. The Eagles are coached by veteran Rich Posipanko who is in his 24th season, and is a three-time Big South Coach of the Year. Associate Head Coach Daniel Ridenhour (ODU'00) was a four-year lettermen and team captain at ODU. ODU and Winthrop met in the 2006 NCAA tournament with ODU winning on penalty kicks.
VCU, coached by Dave Giffard is in his third season. The Rams defeated William and Mary and lost at nationally ranked UAB thus far this season. VCU was picked to finish third in the Atlantic-10 and are led by Jason Johnson and Jose Manel who have one goal and one assist each. Johnson and Monge Solano were All-CAA selections a year ago.
The Tournament champion will again be presented with the Queen's Cup which was originally given toOld Dominion University by the British Royal Navy in 1976 in honor of Queen Elizabeth. ODU won the tournament last year.
Friday night will be ODU spirit night with the winning student groups being awarded $250.00. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for ODU faculty/staff, senior citizens, military and youth's 17 and under.