RICHMOND, Va. - Head coach Alan Dawson’s 2019 Monarchs opened up their spring slate this past weekend in Richmond with a match up against USL 1 outfit the Richmond Kickers at Ukrop Park. The Monarchs tied the Kickers 2-2 on Sunday afternoon.
The Monarchs exploded to an early lead with a sublime goal from German sophomore Deniz Dogan. After picking up a loose ball in the opposition half, Dogan drove to the outside of the Kickers 18 yard box and hit a right foot shot into the upper 90.
After the game settled the Kickers worked their way back into the game and evened the scoring in the 10th minute. Battling difficult conditions both teams looked to take back the lead, however, it was professional side Richmond who scored next. In the 37th minute the Kickers picked up a ball in the Monarchs half and junior midfielder Roger Rojas was forced to foul in his own 18 yard box resulting in a penalty kick which was converted.
In the second half, with Monarchs chasing an equalizer, both teams created scoring opportunities. In a back and forth affair the Monarchs claimed an equalizer in the 89th minute thanks to an effort from freshman forward Daniel Bloyou. Bloyou picked the ball up in the opposition half and drove towards goal before finishing in the bottom corner with a left footed strike. The Monarchs created a few more chances in the closing seconds of the game but at the end of 90 minutes the Monarchs left Richmond with a tie and a positive start in their first outing this spring.
“This was a great test for our guys in their first outing this spring, said head coach Alan Dawson. "The staff and I are proud of the effort put forward and it has laid a great foundation for us moving forward as a team. The performance today is an indicator that the work and effort that we’ve seen the guys put in, on the field and in the weight room, these last several weeks is paying off.”
The Monarchs continue their spring campaign with a home game Friday, March 22nd 2019 against local rival William & Mary. They then hit the road again for two games against George Mason on Sunday March 31st at 2pm and NC State on Saturday April 6th. The Monarchs return home to round out the schedule with a match up against Junior College side Richard Bland on April 20th at 1pm.
Admission to all home matches are free of charge.
ODU Men’s Soccer Spring Schedule
3/3/2019 6pm - @ Richmond Kickers – T- 2-2
3/22/2019 7pm – vs William & Mary
3/31/2019 2pm - @ George Mason
4/6/2019 TBD - @ NC State
4/20/2019 1pm – vs Richard Bland