THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, October 7, 1995 TAG: 9510070375
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JULIE GOODRICH, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines
When the Old Dominion men's soccer team allows itself to think about James Madison, the memory that surfaces is depressing - a heartbreaking loss to the Dukes on penalty kicks in the semifinals of last year's Colonial Athletic Association tournament.
James Madison went on to win the CAA title and advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament. The team comes into today's game against the Monarchs at No. 7 in the country with a 12-0 record.
As far as ODU is concerned, it's payback time.
``I can remember every kick they took and every kick we took in that game,'' said Monarchs goalkeeper Nathan Olansen, who was in net the last time the teams played. ``I'll be looking for a little revenge.''
This is not the best of times for ODU to be hosting the Dukes, who have won 22 straight CAA games. The Monarchs' defense is in disrepair; they've squandered two-goal leads in each of the last two games, both losses.
Part of the letdown is due to injury - all four starters in ODU's backfield are playing at less than full strength due to pulled leg muscles. Tom Manning and Robbie Reynolds have been held out of practice the last two days, and although Larry Cypress is recovering, All-CAA performer Byron Mitchell is slowed by both shin and hamstring injuries.
``All four starters have either been out injured or playing injured, and it's cost us dearly,'' said Monarchs coach Ralph Perez, who characterized the losses to San Francisco and CAA-foe George Mason as ``disappointing and disheartening.''
Facing James Madison concerns Perez for more reasons than just the challenge of facing a nationally-ranked team. After losing two straight, ODU needs a victory, and the game has big implications for the postseason.
``I think this is a must-win if we're looking at an at-large bid (to the NCAA tournament),'' Perez said.
Even if the defense is a concern, the Monarchs' attack is starting to improve. Whereas at times the team has seemed content to let forward Carlos Vasco do all the scoring - he leads the CAA and is tied for fifth in the nation with 12 of ODU's 23 goals - other players are beginning to make contributions, such as Emilio Romero's two goals in the loss to George Mason. ILLUSTRATION: GAMEWATCH
ODU vs. JMU
Where: Old Dominion Soccer Stadium.
When: 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $3 for adults, $2 for youth and senior citizens.
Records: ODU is 6-4 overall, 1-1 in the CAA; JMU is 12-0, 4-0.
About the Monarchs: ODU has lost two straight after running out
to a 6-2 record, the team's best start since 1991. The Monarchs are
0-4-1 and have scored only one goal against James Madison in the
last three years. Forward Carlos Vasco is tied for fifth in the
nation in both points (25) and goals (12). Goalie Nathan Olansen has
three shutouts.
About the Dukes: James Madison is ranked seventh nationally in
the Soccer America poll and comes into the game undefeated with a
22-game CAA winning streak. Junior goalie Barry Purcell has emerged
as one of the top keepers in the country, ranking third nationally
in goals-against average (0.51), with five shutouts. Patrick
McSorley and Geoff Honeysett are a powerful 1-2 combination on
offense with nine goals apiece.
by CNB