DATE: Friday, September 12, 1997            TAG: 9709120833

SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C8   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY KENNAN NEWBOLD, STAFF WRITER

DATELINE: NORFOLK                           LENGTH:   30 lines

UNDEFEATED ODU SOCCER TEAM PLAYS HOST TO WEEKEND CLASSIC THE MONARCHS WILL FACE COLUMBIA TODAY AND ARMY SUNDAY AFTERNOON.

Enjoying its best start since 1991, the Old Dominion men's soccer team faces strong competition this weekend during its second home tournament of the season.

The Monarchs, 2-0 after beating Robert Morris and Miami of Ohiolast weekend in the Papa John's Tournament, will face Columbia today and Army on Sunday in the Stihl Soccer Classic.

ODU head coach Alan Dawson expects his young team, which includes 11 new players, to be challenged this weekend.

``Both teams are very experienced,'' Dawson said. ``Columbia has a reputation for being a well-coached, well-organized group. Traditionally, they have been a national powerhouse.

``Army also has a lot of experience. And they will be extremely fit.''

Dawson said the tournament is the team's featured event of the year.

``It's significant because it's our tournament,'' he said. ``It's absolutely critical for us to get a lot of support this weekend.''

Army (3-0) plays Towson State (3-1) in the first match today at 5 p.m. The Monarchs play Columbia at 7:30. It will be Columbia's first match of the season.

On Sunday, Columbia meets Towson State at noon, followed by Old Dominion vs. Army at 2:30.

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