(October 14, 2009) HAMPDEN-SYDNEY, VA – The Hampden-Sydney soccer team ran their winning streak to an astounding eight games by winning a thrilling contest over arch rival Randolph-Macon on a goal by sophomore Bryan Wharton (Glen Allen, VA/Deep Run) in the 105th minute of play. On a cold and rainy day in Hampden-Sydney, the dramatic goal was a fitting end to a thrilling game between the two rivals.

The game had a quick pace from the start, with no shortage of attacking on the offensive end. Both teams rattled off a good number of shots, but the goalkeepers were up to the task. The Tigers had several chances in the first half, including a near-miss by Wharton in the 25th minute. On the play, freshman Nick DeProspero (Midlothian, VA/Cosby) sent a long throw-in to the edge of the box, where it was flicked by junior Matt Swaney (Potomac Falls, VA/Potomac Falls) right to Wharton, whose volley went just to the right of the goal. In the first half, the Tigers took an impressive 13 shots, including five on goal, but none were able to find the net.

The second half featured just as much if not more intensity than the first. Both teams battled through the cold and rain to fight for every loose ball. Senior Christopher Tait (Nokesville, VA/Brentsville), playing through an injury, set the tone with his hustle and hard play. In the midfield, DeProspero threw his body around to maintain possessions for the Tigers. In the goal, junior keeper John Robert Plyler (Charlotte, NC/Myers Park) was excellent, making a spectacular diving save in the 60th minute to preserve the shutout.

In the first overtime, both sides refused to back down and continued to attack. The Tigers were able to put two more shots on goal and the Yellow Jackets one, but neither side was able to find the net. In the second overtime, Wharton was able to take the ball up the right side of the field and fired a shot from inside the box that the keeper was able to block. The ball ricocheted back at Wharton, who gathered it and then fired again, this time beating the diving net minder, sending the enthusiastic crowd that toughed out the weather into a frenzy. On the day, the Tigers outshot the Yellow Jackets by a margin of 25 - 18, with Wharton unleashing an remarkable 12 shots, including seven on goal.

The victory pushes Hampden-Sydney's record to 12-2-0 overall and 5-1-0 in the ODAC, while Randolph-Macon drops to 2-8-3 overall and 2-3-2 in the ODAC. The 12 wins matches last year's season total, and moves this year's squad into a tie for seventh on the single-season wins list. The squad's eighth shutout of the season also moves them into a tie for the third most single-season shutouts in school history. The Tigers' next game is a pivotal home match against Guilford on Saturday, October 17 for homecoming weekend. Kickoff is set for 3 pm at Miller Field.