Old Dominion men’s soccer team solidifies 2021 recruiting class

NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion University men’s soccer head coach Alan Dawson announced the addition of nine new student-athletes to next season’s roster: Eliot Goldthorp, Liam Fisch, Philip Perry, Owen Ruddy, Domenic Hankle, Zain Hameed, Jonathan Abusada, Ty Arico and Joel Albritton.

“We are delighted to welcome the 2021 recruiting class to our Monarch soccer family,” said Dawson. “We have a strong winning tradition here at ODU and we believe this group of young men will be instrumental in our continued success on and off the field.”

MEET THE NEWEST MONARCHS

Eliot Goldthorp
Hometown: Leeds, England
Position: Midfielder
Club: Bradford City FC

Dawson on Goldthorp:
“We believe Eliot will be a fantastic addition to our midfield and someone who will bring real quality. He is a deep lying playmaker with an exceptional passing range and someone who can help dictate play from midfield.”

Goldthorp on Choosing Old Dominion:
“I chose ODU because our goals and targets align. The coaches and I share the same values and it is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for. This is the perfect fit.”

Liam Fisch
Hometown: Ruesselsheim, Germany
Position: Forward
Club: SC Griesheim

Dawson on Fisch:
“Liam is a player who is going to offer a lot for us in the attacking third. He is fantastic with the ball at his feet and someone who can provide real quality service into the box. We expect him to have a big impact for us.”

Fisch on Choosing Old Dominion:
“I chose ODU because the coaches and I have the same ambitions. I believe it’s the best place to reach the highest of my potential and to develop not only as an athlete, but also as a person.”

Philip Perry
Hometown: Warrington, England
Position: Defender
Club: Salford City FC

Dawson on Perry:
“Philip is a modern day fullback with a fantastic left foot. He has the ability to fly up and down the touchline and is someone we think will have a big impact on both sides of the ball for us.”

Perry on Choosing Old Dominion:
“ODU was a no brainer for me. Both soccer and education are good fits for me individually and its fantastic to share the experience with a team and staff striving to win championships.”

Owen Ruddy
Hometown: Virginia Beach, Va.
Position: Defender
Club: Beach FC

Dawson on Ruddy:
“Owen is someone who the staff has known for a long time and is a true Monarch. He is a great athlete and an extremely hard working player, who we believe can grow into a fantastic college player. We are excited to be keeping him home here in Hampton Roads.”

Ruddy on Choosing Old Dominion:
“There are multiple reasons why I committed to ODU. Of course the first was the coaching staff, they are the right fit for me. Secondly, the school offers me a great academic future. Lastly, is the ability to play in my hometown, which is going to be an incredible honor.”

Domenic Hankle
Hometown: Virginia Beach, Va.
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Richmond United

Dawson on Hankle:
“Dom is a very good young goalkeeper. He possesses all of the intangible to be a very good college keeper. He has all of the traits we look for in a goalkeeper here at ODU and are excited to work with him.”

Hankle on Choosing Old Dominion:
“I committed to ODU because they are giving me the opportunity to play at a very high level of soccer, as well as help me pursue a degree in computer science.”

Zain Hameed
Hometown: Falls Church, Va.
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Arlington SC

Dawson on Hameed:
“Zain is another fantastic young goalkeeper joining our keeper union. Like all of our goalkeepers, he embodies what we are looking for in a keeper here at ODU and we are excited to get to work with him.”

Hameed on Choosing Old Dominion:
“I chose ODU because I knew it was the perfect place for me to grown as a person and a player. I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up to be part of such a fantastic program.”

Jonathan Abusada
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Position: Midfielder
Club: Houston Dynamo

Dawson on Abusada:
“Jonathan is a player who will offer us something different in the midfield. His athleticism and tenacity will bring energy to our midfield and we think his game translates well to the college game.”

Abusada on Choosing Old Dominion:
“I chose ODU because I fully trust the coaching staff with my development, and it is a program with a fantastic history. I can’t wait to be a student-athlete at Old Dominion!”

Ty Arico
Hometown: Jackson, N.J.
Position: Midfielder
Club: PDA

Dawson on Arico:
“Ty is a player with great technique and someone who can get on the ball and make the game tick for us. He is a good athlete, who can cover ground well and we are looking forward to getting to work with Ty.”

Arico on Choosing Old Dominion:
“ODU has given me the opportunity to continue playing the sport I love, while pursuing a degree. A supportive coaching staff and outstanding facilities made the choice an easy one. It is a honor to get a chance to play for this fantastic program and cannot wait to get started.”

Joel Albritton
Hometown: Chesapeake, Va.
Position: Midfielder
Club: Richmond United

Dawson on Albritton:
“Joel is another local player that we are happy to be keeping home. He is a technically gifted player who can provide us with something a little different in midfield with his ability on the ball and to find space.”

Albritton on Choosing Old Dominion:
“I am excited to continue my soccer and academic career close to home. ODU has a history of excellence and I am looking forward to making my mark as a Monarch.”