Dayton Flyers

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – University of Dayton senior defender Jack Pearson has been selected to the Atlantic 10’s Preseason All-Conference Team. David Abidor and Max Odgaard were also honored by the A-10 as members of the preseason all-rookie team.

“We have high expectations of Max and David after achieving a very high level of success in their youth careers.  We feel they have the ability to lead our program both on and off the field in the near future,” head coach Dennis Currier said.

The conference also released its preseason poll on Tuesday in conjunction with the preseason all-conference teams. Dayton was picked seventh after finishing with a 7-8-3 record and a 3-4-2 record in A-10 action. Charlotte (13-5-1, 8-1 A-10) was picked first. Saint Louis (9-7-3, 5-3-1 A-10) was picked second and Xavier (10-7-4, 5-4-0 A-10) was third.

Last season Pearson was named Second Team All-Atlantic 10. He was also a selection to the NSCAA’s All-East Region Third Team. He played a pivotal role on Dayton’s defense, helping them earn eight shutouts on the year, which tied for the second-most shutouts posted in a single season. Pearson started and played in 17 games and tied for second on the team in points (6), goals (2) and assists (2).

Abidor competed for the U.S. Soccer Development Academy and in prep soccer for Shattuck-St. Mary’s in Faribault, Minn. He helped Shattuck-St. Mary’s to the US Youth Soccer National Championship match in July of 2010. Abidor helped Shattuck claim first place in the Disney Showcase in 2009.

Odgaard is a College Soccer News Top 150 Recruit. He helped his team to the 2010 IHSAA Class 4A State Championship match. Odgaard had 64 points (30 goals, four assists) on the year, earning him all-state, city and district honors during his senior season. He spent three seasons in the Indiana Olympic Development Program, while earning a National Championship in 2008 with the Indiana United.

The Flyers opened preseason camp on Tuesday with their annual two-mile run and fitness testing. Dayton will host Bradley on Aug. 18 at 1 p.m. in its only exhibition of the season. UD opens its regular season on Aug. 26 at Kentucky at 7:30 p.m.