(October 3, 2009) HAMPDEN-SYDNEY, VA – The Hampden-Sydney soccer team defeated the Eagles of the University of Mary Washington today in a thrilling come from behind 2-1 victory. With the win, the Tigers extend their winning streak to five games.

Neither team was able to grab an upper hand from the start, as both sides were trying to feel each other out. Both teams had a few early chances, but it was the Eagles who were able to find the net first in the 14th minute. On the play, a long ball from the Mary Washington defense was deflected and bounced over the Tigers' back line. T. L. Tutor was able to get to the ball first and bury it in the net to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead. The goal snapped the Tigers' streak of not allowing a goal at an incredible 399 minutes, stretching over parts of six games.

Hampden-Sydney responded with renewed intensity and vigor, and it paid off in the 32nd minute when junior Matt Hampton (Virginia Beach, VA/Kellam) played a perfect free kick to freshman Brandon Haynes (Raleigh, NC/Broughton) at the top of the box. Haynes was able to trap the ball with his chest, turn on his defender and fire a rocket past a diving keeper to even the score at one apiece, which would remain the score for the rest of the half.

Both teams came out of the break ready for a physical second half, with both sides creating decent scoring opportunities. The Hampden-Sydney midfield duo of Hampton and junior Matt Swaney (Potomac Falls, VA/Potomac Falls) began to wear down the Eagles' midfield and held a clear advantage in winning loose balls. Their tenacity helped lead to the Tigers' second goal of the day in the 75th minute. The midfield controlled a ball and was able to get it to Haynes on the left side of the field. The freshman was able to use some nifty footwork to flick it to fellow rookie Nick DeProspero (Midlothian, VA/Cosby), who was streaking through the defense. DeProspero outraced the last defender and buried a shot over the diving keeper to provide the game winner.

After the early goal allowed, the Hampden-Sydney defense suffocated the Mary Washington attack the rest of the way, allowing very few opportunities. Goalkeeper John Robert Plyler (Charlotte, NC/Myers Park) was on top of his game, making several impressive saves.

With the win, Hampden-Sydney improves to 9-2-0 overall, while Mary Washington falls to 8-4-0. The 9-2-0 start is the best start to a season for the Tigers in Coach Josh Laux's six year tenure. The Tigers will return to action on Tuesday, October 6 as they visit the Panthers of Ferrum College in a non-conference matchup. The Tigers' next home contest will be on Wednesday, October 14 at 4 pm as they take on Randolph-Macon.