NORFOLK, Va. – The Old Dominion men’s soccer team was picked to finish third in the Conference USA preseason poll announced Tuesday afternoon. Niko Kolsterhalfen and Mertcan Akar were named to the C-USA Preaseason Team.
To view the full release from the C-USA, click here.
The 2017 ODU (13-6-2, 6-2) soccer team finished the season as C-USA Champions and made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Monarchs posted 10 shutouts against their opponents.
Making the preseason team, Klosterhalfen tallied five goals and made 20 starts in the 2017 season. The senior scored the lone goal of the C-USA Championship against Charlotte, which led the Monarchs to their berth into the NCAA Tournament. In the 2017 postseason, Klosterhalfen was named to the C-USA Second Team All-Conference. Klosterhalfen was also named to the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Southeast Region Second Team.
Joining Klosterhalfen on the preseason team is junior goalkeeper Mertcan Akar. Akar had a standout season where he collected 10 shutouts and 82 saves, which ranked him 19th nationally. Akar was named to the C-USA First Team All-Conference as well as the co-winner of the C-USA Golden Glove award. He was named to the United Soccer Coaches Division I Men's Soccer All-Southeast Region First Team.
The Monarchs face Virginia Tech in an exhibition match on Tuesday, Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. Admission is free and season ticket voucher books will be for sale at the exhibition.
With a $25 purchase of the 2018 Soccer Voucher book, fans receive 20 ticket vouchers that can be used in any combination to gain entry to any men or women's regular season game at the ODU Soccer Complex. The vouchers can be redeemed in any quantity and represent a 75% savings over purchasing general admission tickets at the gate. In addition to entry to the games, the first 200 fans that purchase their ticket voucher books will receive an 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. Books may also be purchased on entry at any home match.
2018 C-USA Men’s Soccer Preseason Team
Daniel Bruce, Charlotte, R-Sr.,
F Tommy Madden, Charlotte, Sr., MF
^Callum Montgomery, Charlotte, Sr., D
Joris Ahlinvi, FIU, Jr., MF
*Santiago Patino, FIU, Sr., F
Enrique Facusse, Kentucky, So., GK
Tom Smart, New Mexico, R-Jr., D
Mertcan Akar, Old Dominion, Jr., GK
Niko Klosterhalfen, Old Dominion, Sr., MF
Luca Mayr, South Carolina, Jr., MF/F
Mathieu Laurent, UAB, R-Sr., D
*Preseason Offensive Player of the Year
^Preseason Defensive Player of the Year
2018 C-USA Men’s Soccer Preseason Poll
FIU (4)
Charlotte (2)
ODU
Kentucky
New Mexico (1)
Marshall (1)
South Carolina
UAB (1)
FAU
(First Place Votes)