Old Dominion Monarchs
Overall Rank: #38
#4 Conference USA
Old Dominion Team Page
Old Dominion had another strong season and looked like a team that could beat anybody on any given day. On September 24th they tied then #8 Maryland. In their next game they beat #9 Tulsa and a couple of weeks later, they beat #10 UAB. That run was enough for Coach Alan Dawson and his Monarchs to reach the NCAA Tournament. Once there, ODU crushed Drexel 5-1. But on the road in Georgetown, the Monarchs season ended with a thud, falling 3-0 to the Hoyas. And now they must replace their top goal scorer, Tim Hopkinson, and their keeper, Sean Stowe.
2013 Record: 11-6-1, 7-2-0
2013 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Alan Dawson
Returning Leaders:
Goals: Ivan Militar, Senior, M/F, 4; Jesse Miralrio, Sophomore, F, 4
Assists: Ivan Militar, Senior, M/F, 9
Shots: Ivan Militar, Senior, M/F, 46
Saves: None
Other Key Returnees: M Ryan Condotta, M Cole Stringer, M Geoffrey Hill, M Nate Foglesong, D Michael Nelson, D Nicholas Hutchinson
Key Losses: F Tim Hopkinson, GK Sean Stowe, F/M Gideon Asante, D Jason Gaylord, D Ryan Oakes
Strengths:
Most of the pieces that led to Old Dominion scoring nearly two goals per game are back. Ivan Militar and Jesse Miralrio are capable goal scorers and even better set up men. Militar totaled nine assists and Miralrio added five. Other midfielders like Ryan Condotta, Cole Stringer, Geoffrey Hill and Nate Foglesong will create a deep, talented and experienced group. Condotta pulls the strings in the midfield and will feed Militar and Miralrio in the attacking third.
Weaknesses:
Both Militar and Miralrio are big players who can be targets in the box, but the question is whether or not either of them can turn into a clinical finisher like Hopkinson. Ideally, Coach Dawson can find somebody else to directly take Hopkinson’s spot on the pitch while Militar and Miralrio drop behind and attack more off of the dribble. Sophomore transfer Josue Henriquez, freshman Charles Jones and senior Sidney Rivera are ODU’s best options. The defense does lose Jason Gaylord and Ryan Oakes, but the Monarchs should be able to build around returning starters Michael Nelson and Nicholas Hutchinson without too much problem. Replacing Stowe in goal may be tougher. Connor Miller is the only returning keeper, but he played in just one game last year for less than 15 minutes and did not make a save. Alex Tiesenhausen, a transfer from DII Lindenwood, will battle it out with Miller for the starting gig.
Final Projection:
Hopkinson was such a key player for ODU that he is going to be tough to replace. The Monarchs should take a small step back and will need some time to develop their new players and roles at the top and bottom of the pitch. The schedule is not kind early while these kinks will be worked out. Three of their first four games are against Virginia, North Carolina and South Florida.
Projected Postseason: None
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 1.89 (17th in nation, 2nd in conference)
Goals-Against Average: 1.45 (135, 7)
Shutout Percentage: 0.17 (153, 10)
Save Percentage: 0.719 (145, 5)
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