WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Hampden-Sydney soccer team proved to be too much for the Catholic University as the Tigers beat the Cardinals by a score of 3-2. With the win, the Tigers improve to 4-1-1 while the Cardinals drop to 1-3-1.

After a scoreless first half, the Tigers drew first blood as Sophomore forward Jason Powell (Marietta, GA/Pope) found the back of the net on a give-and-go with freshman midfielder JoJo Howard (Laneka, VA/New Kent). Only four minutes later, Hampden-Sydney made a costly mistake by fouling a Cardinal in the box, resulting in a penalty kick. Catholic's Matt Brady capitalized on the Tiger mistake and tied the score at one. In the 75th minute, senior captain Greg Smith (Warrenton, VA/Fauquier) crossed a ball to Ian Ciejek (Richmond, VA/Mills E. Godwin) who was able to tap it to a streaking David Burley (Mount Pleasant, SC/Wando) who found the back of the net to give the Tigers a 2-1 lead. Only three minutes later, sophomore midfielder Jason Butler (Richmond, VA/Mills E. Godwin) beat a Cardinal defender and sent a cross that found Burley, and once again, Burley was able to put the ball into the net. Catholic was able to score another goal in the 81st minute; however, the Tigers were able to hold on and earn their fourth victory of the season.

While both teams had many chances, Hampden-Sydney finished the afternoon out shooting Catholic by a margin of 15-9. Most impressive in the Tigers victory was the play of Powell, Howard, and Reed Westra (Chester, VA/ L.C. Bird). Coach Laux commented that these players provided a spark for the Tigers and were a key to the Hampden-Sydney victory.

Hampden-Sydney returns to action on the road this week against ODAC-foe Guilford College on Wednesday, September 20. The game is set to start at 4:00 pm.