NORFOLK, Va. - Old Dominion University head women’s soccer coach Angie Hind announced the Lady Monarchs schedule for the 2015 season today, which includes ten opponents that won 10 or more games in 2014, 10 Conference USA foes, five teams from within the state of Virginia, two 2014 conference champions and one NCAA runner-up from a season ago.
The non-conference schedule is highlighted by a trip to the University of Virginia, as the Cavaliers finished 2014 with a 23-3 record and runners-up in the NCAA Tournament. On Sept. 6, Old Dominion will travel to Auburn from the SEC, which finished the 2014 season No. 25 in the RPI rankings, after winning its first round game in the NCAA Tournament.
“I believe it is key for the development of our players individually, but also our program as a whole, to try to play as many good opponents as possible,” explained Hind. “It is the best way to develop in-game understanding and competitiveness. I believe our schedule this year offers many good opponents, who play varying styles, which again can only help make us better.”
The Lady Monarchs open their season on the road at VCU on Aug. 21, before hosting Canisius on Aug. 23 and UNCW on Aug. 27.
Old Dominion hits the road for four consecutive non-conference matches, starting at last year’s Big South Conference runners-up Liberty (Sept. 3), at Auburn (Sept. 6), at William and Mary (Sept. 11) and at UVA (Sept. 13).
ODU will return to Norfolk for its final home non-conference game on Sept. 18 against former CAA foe George Mason. East Carolina is the final non-conference match for Old Dominion in 2015, as the Lady Monarchs will make the trip to Greensville, N.C. for a Sept. 20 showdown with the Pirates.
“Our out of conference schedule allows us to play against programs that I have great respect for in relation to their ability to be consistently ranked nationally. Teams such as UVA and Auburn are strong top 20 programs, and teams such as William and Mary, VCU and Liberty allows us to compete with some of the best programs in our state. I believe these types of games will best prepare us for our Conference-USA schedule,” adds Hind.
The Lady Monarchs will kick off Conference USA play with a two-game road swing, starting at LA Tech on Sept. 25 and then at Southern Miss on Sept. 27. The Lady Soccer Monarchs welcome five consecutive Conference USA opponents, starting in early October with: Middle Tennessee (Oct. 2), UAB (Oct. 4), Rice (Oct. 9), North Texas (Oct. 11) and Charlotte (Oct. 16). Rice claimed the C-USA crown in 2014 after taking down LA Tech 1-0 in the championship.
Finally, Old Dominion will round out 2015 regular season play with three games on the road against C-USA competitors: at UTSA (Oct. 23), at UTEP (Oct. 25) and then at Marshall (Oct. 30).
“In conference, we play all of the top four teams from last season, however, it will be nice to get three of those teams on our own field this year, as I believe that can make a difference,” concluded Hind. “As a team, we talk a lot about ‘the next level’ for our program and we believe this schedule will allow us to compete and develop. It’s an exciting next chapter.”
In her first season at the helm, Hind turned around the women’s soccer program after the team obtained six points the previous year. In 2014, the team racked up a total of 17 points, with 15 of their 18 matches decided by one goal or less. Old Dominion also had a total of eight games go into overtime.
Moving forward, Hind looks to establish her culture within the program as she returns nine starters and 15 players in all from last season. Four out of last year’s top five point scorers return to the pitch for Old Dominion in 2015, while Hind has added seven freshmen and one international transfer during the offseason.
2015 Old Dominion University Women’s Soccer Schedule
Date Opponent Venue
Aug. 14 Towson * Home
Aug. 21 VCU Away
Aug. 23 Canisius Home
Aug. 27 UNCW Home
Sept. 3 Liberty Away
Sept. 6 Auburn Away
Sept. 11 William & Mary Away
Sept. 13 Virginia Away
Sept. 18 George Mason Home
Sept. 20 East Carolina Away
Sept. 25 LA Tech Away
Sept. 27 Southern Miss Away
Oct. 2 Middle Tennessee Home
Oct. 4 UAB Home
Oct. 9 Rice Home
Oct. 11 North Texas Home
Oct. 16 Charlotte Home
Oct. 23 UTSA Away
Oct. 25 UTEP Away
Oct. 30 Marshall Away
*SCRIMMAGE