ODU SOCCER SIGNS ONE OF NATION'S BEST RECRUIT CLASSES

The Old Dominion University men's soccer team's 2004 recruiting class is ranked 23rd among all Division I schools, according to Collegesoccernews.com, which released its annual Top 40 Recruiting Classes this week.

This marks ODU's second consecutive mention in the list, after having the 28th-best class last season. ODU is also the only CAA school on the list.

The recruiting class, according to College Soccer News, does a good job of addressing the areas where the Monarchs need assistance. Freshmen midfielder A.J. Kulp, a two-time NSCAA Regional All-American selection; sophomore forward Edson Elcock, a transfer from Wingate University, where he was named Freshman of the Year in the SAC in 2003 and defender David Horst, a Regional All-America selection highlights the seven member recruiting class that includes midfielders Branden McPherson and Jared Kent and goalkeepers Jon Curry-Edwards and Bryan Fossi.

ODU will face three schools in 2004 who also made it to the Top 40 list: North Carolina, Virginia and Rutgers.

The Monarchs, who went 15-4-1 in 2003 after starting the season 14-0-0, hosts Campbell September 1, to kick off their 2004 campaign.