RICHMOND, Va. – The Old Dominion women’s soccer team will hit the road to take on in-state rival VCU on Friday at 7 p.m. to officially begin the 2015 season.
The Lady Monarchs head into Friday’s match fresh off a 1-0 exhibition win over Towson on Aug. 14 at the ODU Soccer Complex. Sophomore forward Madison Hogan scored the only goal of the scrimmage in the 23rd minute off an assist from Thyla Peterson. Junior goalkeeper Erin Kinz played all 90 minutes and made one save en route to claiming the shutout victory.
ODU is led by head coach Angie Hind in her second season. After finishing with a 4-9-5 record a year ago, the Lady Monarchs return a more experienced squad that boasts four of its five leading scorers from last year: Madison Hogan, Melanie Oakes, Grace Haverly, and Devin Dougherty. Additionally, ODU enters the season with the addition of nine freshmen and one transfer to the roster.
The Lady Monarchs were selected to finish ninth out of 14 teams in the 2015 preseason poll. The top eight teams at the conclusion of the regular season will earn a spot in the 2015 Conference USA Women's Soccer Championship, hosted by FIU Nov. 4-8.
The VCU Rams, who will also be playing in their first game of the season, enter Friday’s contest after battling to a scoreless draw with William & Mary in an exhibition on Aug. 16.
VCU was picked to finish third in the Atlantic 10 preseason poll, and fifth-year senior goalkeeper Emma Kruse received preseason all-conference team recognition.
Last season, the Rams went 10-5-5 and reached the Atlantic 10 Semifinal round.
ODU will return to the ODU Soccer Complex to host Canisius on Sunday, Aug. 23 at 1 p.m. for its home opener.
VOUCHER BOOKS
Take advantage of the great offer to attend ODU soccer games through the ODU Soccer Voucher Book available online at www.ynottix.com or at the ticket gate for all home games. With the voucher book receive 20 ticket vouchers redeemable at any home men’s or women’s soccer games for the cost of just $25. With every purchase you also receive an official ODU Soccer scarf!
Be sure to keep up with all the latest news regarding ODU Women’s Soccer on Facebook; as well as follow @ODUWomensSoccer on Twitter!