NORFOLK, VA—Old Dominion University Head Men’s soccer Coach Alan Dawson announced the signing of eight outstanding recruits for the 2014 Fall season. Joining the Monarchs soccer family are Christian Coulson (Portsmouth, VA.), Charles Jones (Fayetteville, NC.),Garrett Walke (Virginia Beach, VA.), Josh Toma (Cary, NC.), Tyler Edwards (Carrolton, GA.),Sebastian Joly (Virginia Beach, VA), Alex Tiesenhausen (Graz, Austria) and Josue Henriquez (Mesa, AZ.)
“We have addressed our most pressing needs with this class while adding quality depth to the squad,” said ODU head coach Alan Dawson, the school's winningest men's soccer coach who has led the Monarchs to NCAA appearances in 10 of the last 12 years, including each of hte last four. “We will work hard to add additional players to this Class to help us compete at the highest level as we strive to continue our consistent National presence. “
ODU was 11-6-1, finishing second in the one of the nation’s strongest men’s soccer League’s in Conference USA.
CHRISTIAN COULSON
A Virginia State Cup Finalist in 2012, Coulson earned All-District honors as a sophomore and junior at nearby Churchland High School where he was team captain and MVP. In 2013, Coulson was a Jefferson Cup finalist. In the classroom, Coulson ranked number one out of 327 in his senior 2014 class at Churchland.
Dawson on Coulson
“Christian has been on our radar for a while as he is a local boy who has played for the Churchland Soccer Club. He has a huge upside as he is a big Goalkeeper that shows a lot of promise for the future.”
CHARLES JONES
Charles Jones is a 2013 First Team All-Conference selection from Sanford High School in Fayetteville, NC. Jones helped lead team to a 22-2-1 record last year and was the Cumberland County leading scorer with 29 goals and 11 assists. He received the Golden Boot Award. He played ODP 2008-2014 member of the 1996 Boys ODP Region 3 team which is traveling to Argentina this month. He is also the NCYSA President’s Kepner Cup Champions 2009-10 and member of the National Honor Society.
DAWSON ON JONES
“We were fortunate to have CJ attend our College ID Camp and immediately liked what we seen. He is athletically gifted with superior strength and speed. He has good touch and can dribble at speed to create goal scoring chances. We are looking forward to coaching him in the future.”
GARRETT WALKE
Garrett is a second team All-State and All-Region midfielder from Landstown High School in Virginia Beach. He is also a Region I and State team pools standout. Walke co-captained both his U18 and Landstown High School squads.
DAWSON ON WALKE: “Garrett is another one of our local players who played at Beach FC.He is a strong athlete who is good technically which will give us an opportunity to use him in some different roles. His versatility will be an asset to the Team.”
JOSH TOMA
Josh is a forward from Cary, NC where he has been a member of the MSF Liberty U18 Soccer Academy team for three years. He was also a member of the Panther Creek High School Varsity team where he has been a starter since his freshman year. Toma is an academic honor roll member and plans to major in criminal justice.
DAWSON ON TOMA
“Josh had an early interest in our program and committed early to the Monarchs. He loves to play the game and it shows on the pitch as he is extremely hard working and relentless in the Attack. We are looking forward to Coaching him.”
TYLER EDWARDS
A starter in every game since his freshman year in high school. MVP as a junior and selected team captain as a sophomore and junior. Named Most valuable offensive player both as a sophomore and junior. Edwards was the starting center forward for Southern Soccer Academy. They won the Atlanta Cup Championship in 2012, State cup Champion and he was selected MVP of the 2013 championship scoring eight goals in four games. Edwards won the Super Y National Championship and the Golden Boot Award as the best offensive player in the tournament with seven goals in four games. Honor roll student and member of the National Honor Society.
DAWSON ON EDWARDS
“Tyler is physically ready to make an impact in Division One Soccer as he has speed, strength and very good touch for a big guy. He was recruited by a lot of good programs and we are excited he choose to become a Monarch.”
SEBASTIAN JOLY
Sebastian helped lead Beach FC ninth grade to the State Championship. Played Region 1 team for two years and state runner-up. His U14 national team pool reached the regional semifinals with Beach FC, and the state cup semifinals.
DAWSON ON JOLY
"Sebastian has joined us in the Spring after graduating early from his High School. He is a local product who played for the Virginia Rush Soccer Club. He has transitioned well and has benefitted from our spring workouts both on and off the field. He is hardworking, physical and mentally tough which has helped him start of his College career in a very positive manner."
ALEX TIESENHAUSEN
Tiesenhausen comes to ODU from Lindenwood University, the number one ranked NCAA Division II team. Posted a 0.55 goals against average and .912 saves percentage. A native of Graz, Austria where he played for FC Gratkorn for two seasons. Tiesenhausen joined the Monarchs in January 2014.
DAWSON ON TIESENHAUSEN
“Alex is a midyear transfer originally from Austria. He is a very agile Goalkeeper who is extremely good with his feet and brings a wealth of experience to our squad. Fortunately for us we have had a chance to work with him and we are pleased with his progress and work rate.”
JOSUE HENRIQUEZ
Comes to ODU from Phoenix College where he was named first team AACAC and first team West Conference NCJAA. Henriquez scored 10 goals with seven assists for 27 points leading Phoenix to a 16-1-5 record, winning the 2013 ACCAC Championship. At Mountain View High School in Mesa, AZ , Henriquez was a first team All-League selection as he led his team in scoring as a junior and senior.
DAWSON ON HENRIQUEZ “Josue is an older more mature player transferring in from Phoenix Junior College. He is dynamic, strong for his size, and has a nose for scoring Goals. We expect him to come in and impact the Team in the attacking half of the field.”