SIX SOCCER TIGERS GARNER ALL-ODAC HONORS

(November 5, 2007) SALEM, VA–Hampden-Sydney's success on the pitch has apparently gained the respect of opposing ODAC coaches. The Tigers placed six players on the 2007 Old Dominion Athletic Conference men's soccer all-conference team after finishing the year with an 11-6-3 overall record and 6-1-2 conference mark, earning the team the No. 2 seed in the ODAC Tournament and No. 7 ranking in the final NSCAA/adidas South Region Poll.

Hampden-Sydney junior midfielder Jason Butler (Richmond, VA), junior midfielder Jason Powell (Marietta, GA/Pope), sophomore forward Will Robertson (Charlotte, NC/Charlotte Catholic), freshman defender Sam Turner (Richmond, VA/Benedictine), sophomore defender Christopher Tait (Nokesville, VA/Brentsville) and freshman goalkeeper John Robert Plyler (Charlotte, NC/Myers Park) were all honored for their stellar play in 2007 with all-conference nods.

Jason Butler, who was also a captain in 2007, earned the Tigers' only first-team recognition. The hard-nosed midfielder tied for the team lead with 17 points, courtesy of five goals and seven assists. His point total ranked eighth on the ODAC list while his team-leading seven assists were good enough for a tie for second in that conference category.

Earning second team honors were Jason Powell, Will Robertson and Sam Turner. Powell led the Tigers and ranked sixth in the ODAC with seven goals on the season, five of which came in Hampden-Sydney's final seven matches of the year. Powell scored four game-winning goals and tied Butler for points with 17 while also handing out three assists.

Robertson, one of the most creative and dynamic players on the Tigers' roster, also garnered second team honors after recording five goals and three assists in 2007. His skills on the flank and up top proved dangerous to opponents all season long. Joining Powell and Robertson on the second team was freshman defender Turner. Turner started in all 19 of his appearances and was a physically intimidating force at center back.

Sophomore Christopher Tait was named to the All-ODAC honorable mention squad after starting in all 19 of his appearances as well. Tait was a versatile player for head coach Josh Laux as a left back, using his speed to both shut off the right side of the opponent's attack and work himself into the Tiger offensive threat on the other end. Tait scored one goal for Hampden-Sydney in 2007.

Rounding out the Tigers' all-conference honors was John Robert Plyler, who was named the Old Dominion Athletic Conference men's soccer Rookie of the Year. The freshman goalkeeper burst onto the scene in the sixth game of the season, and posted an impressive 10-2-2 record as a starter. His 0.89 goals-against-average ranked fourth in the ODAC and his four shutouts tied for second on the conference list.

Virginia Wesleyan sophomore Brandon Massie was named ODAC Player of the Year while Hampden-Sydney head coach Josh Laux was honored as 2007 ODAC Coach of the Year.