IRVING, Texas -- Goalkeeper Alex Tiesenhausen was named to the Conference USA Preseason All-Conference Team and Old Dominion was selected to finish sixth in the league, as the conference office released its preseason coaches' poll on Wednesday.
The Monarchs are coming off of an 8-5-3 season in 2015, winning the 40th Annual ODU Soccer Classic and earning a victory over eventual College Cup qualifier Akron. This year, the Monarchs will be led by a strong senior class featuring midfielders Jesse Miralrio and Cole Stringer, defenders Nick Hutchinson and Christian Wirth and Tiesenhausen in goal.
Tiesenhausen was the lone goalkeeper on the conference's preseason team, after earning Second Team All-C-USA honors a year ago.. The Austria native has played every minute in goal for ODU the past two seasons, totaling 10 clean sheets over that span.
Kentucky, led by Preseason Offensive Player of the Year Napo Matsoso, was selected to finish first in the league, followed by Charlotte and reigning conference champion FIU. New Mexico and South Carolina were tied for fourth.
In 2015, the conference sent four teams to the NCAA Tournament, as Kentucky, Charlotte, FIU and South Carolina all earned bids to the big dance.
The 2016 men's soccer season officially kicks off on Aug. 26 as the Monarchs host UNLV under the lights at the ODU Soccer Complex.
2016 CONFERENCE USA PRESEASON POLL (as selected by C-USA coaches)
1. Kentucky
2. Charlotte
3. FIU
4t. New Mexico
4t. South Carolina
6. Old Dominion
7. UAB
8. Marshall
9. Florida Atlantic
2016 PRESEASON ALL-CONFERENCE USA TEAM (as selected by C-USA coaches)
Brandt Bronico, Charlotte, Sr., MF
Luis Betancur, FIU, Sr., F
Marvin Hezel, FIU, Sr., D (Preseason Defensive Player of the Year)
Napo Matsoso, Kentucky, Sr., MF (Preseason Offensive Player of the Year)
Stefan Stojkovic, Kentucky, Jr., F
Jordan Wilson, Kentucky, Sr., D
Niko Hansen, New Mexico, Sr., F
Chris Wehan, New Mexico, Sr., MF
Alex Tiesenhausen, Old Dominion, Sr., GK
Danny Deakin, South Carolina, Sr., MF
Koty Millard, South Carolina, Sr., D
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A GREAT DEAL - VOUCHER BOOKS
Now available are the 2016 ODU Soccer voucher books for $25. With each voucher book fans receive 20 ticket vouchers that can be redeemed at any home men's or women's soccer match throughout the 2016 season. The vouchers can be redeemed in any quantity and represent a 75% savings over purchasing general admission tickets at the gate. Also included for the first 200 purchasers is an official ODU soccer scarf. Voucher books may be purchased at this time by CLICKING HERE or by calling the ODU Ticket Office at 757-683-7087.
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