THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, September 12, 1995 TAG: 9509120389
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JULIE GOODRICH, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 52 lines
Some soccer coaches would be satisfied with a 2-2 start, but not Old Dominion's Ralph Perez.
``This is going to sound a little crazy, and it's not sour grapes at all, but we've played well enough in those two (losses) that we only have ourselves to blame that we're not 4-0,'' Perez said Monday.
Playing in two tournaments on the road has whipped the Monarchs into playing condition, and the team opens its home and Colonial Athletic Association schedule at 7:30 tonight against East Carolina.
ODU started the season with a 3-1 win over Navy at the Navy Invitational before falling to Towson State, 1-0, in the tournament's championship.
The Monarchs stayed on the road to participate in the William and Mary Tournament. ODU rebounded from a tough 1-0 loss to Connecticut to score an impressive 3-0 shutout of Ohio State, which had led the 17th-ranked Tribe before losing in overtime.
``We played well and we got chances (against Connecticut). We should've scored,'' Perez said. The Monarchs had four shots hit off the post and missed scoring chances on two one-on-one situations.
The bright spot for ODU has been the offensive output of junior forward Carlos Vasco. Vasco came into the season with five career goals and has already nearly matched that figure, scoring twice against both Navy and Ohio State.
``We're pleased with that,'' Perez said. ``We knew when we recruited him that he was a goal-scorer. He's worked hard in the offseason at strengthening himself.''
``I know the goals will come if I work hard,'' said Vasco, who netted just one goal in 19 games last season. ``Overall, I want the team to play better. It's a team sport; I'm not looking out for myself. I may not score, but if the team wins, that's what matters.''
Although ODU is favored to beat the Pirates, who finished 4-14-1 last season, Vasco says the Monarchs want to do more than just win.
``We've got to come out to play and show the ODU fans what we're all about. We're too good of a team right now to be 2-2.'' ILLUSTRATION: Ralph Perez feels that his 2-2 Monarchs should be 4-0 entering
their home opener.
GAMEWATCH
[For a copy of the graphic, see microfilm for this date.]
by CNB