NORFOLK, Va. – Coming off of the program’s first Conference USA title in school history, the Old Dominion men’s soccer team enters the 2015 season looking to continue its recent success.
“I think in the big picture, we’re further along than we have been in the past,” said head coach Alan Dawson, who enters his 19th season at the helm of ODU men’s soccer. “Attacking mentality, defending mentality are both very good. Personnel-wise, we’ve narrowed it down and feel comfortable about what each player can contribute.”
In addition to winning the C-USA title last fall, the Monarchs posted a 13-7-1 overall record and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, before falling to 16th-seeded Georgetown, 2-1, in double overtime.
Old Dominion, ranked 24th in the NSCAA preseason poll, played two exhibition matches this fall, drawing both William & Mary and Navy.
“There’s a different tone this week,” said Dawson. “Preseason is preseason, it doesn’t count. Every practice and every game counts from here on in. I think the intensity was higher than usual this morning in practice and I want that to continue all week leading into the game.”
On offense, the Monarchs return three of their top five leading scorers from last year’s squad. Senior midfielder Ryan Condotta (5 goals, 1 assist in 2014) has started every game in his career at ODU and was a Third Team All-Conference USA selection last season. Junior midfielder Jesse Miralrio (3 goals, 4 assists) and sophomore forward Tyler Edwards (3 goals, 1 assist) also return, along with senior Ivan Militar, who led both the team and conference in assists in 2013 with nine.
On the defensive side of the ball, goalkeeper Alex Tiesenhausen, a Third Team All-C-USA selection last year, returns. In front of Tiesenhausen, the Monarchs bring back three key defenders in seniors Michael Nelson and David Macsicza and junior Nicholas Hutchinson. Last year, the Monarchs recorded five shutouts and posted a 1.10 goals against average, which ranked fourth in Conference USA.
The team plays a tough schedule this season, with 10 teams on the slate that are either ranked or receiving votes in the NSCAA preseason poll. Charlotte (No. 17), Coastal Carolina (No. 21) and Akron (No. 25) are all ranked, while New Mexico, UNC Wilmington, Kentucky, UAB, VCU, Hartford and USF are all receiving votes.
The 40th Annual STIHL Classic is scheduled for September 11-13 with the Monarchs taking on Jacksonville and Hartford. The classic is the longest-running men’s soccer tournament in the NCAA.
ODU opens the season this Friday at home versus No. 21 Coastal Carolina at 7 p.m. at the ODU Soccer Complex. The Monarchs then return to the pitch on Sunday for another 7 p.m. showdown with No. 25 Akron at the ODU Soccer Complex. Both matches are a part of the VCU Soccer Tournament.
“They are two very good teams with a lot of history,” said Dawson about the two opponents. “They are both top 25 year in and year out. We’re looking forward to it.”
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!
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