(September 13, 2009) HAMPDEN-SYDNEY, VA – The Hampden-Sydney soccer team fought back from a one-goal deficit to beat Marymount 4-1 and win the 2009 Tiger Invitational.

The game got off to an intense start with both teams playing a physical brand of ball. Both teams had opportunities early, including a pair of header attempts for senior Will Robertson (Charlotte, NC/Charlotte Catholic) that just missed the mark. The Saints got onto the scoreboard first, when Cherif Mokteji played a long pass to a streaking Kjell Crooke who was able to bury the ball into the net. Rather than giving in, the Tigers only increased their intensity and it paid off in the 31st minute when senior Brett Chonko (Farmville, VA/Prince Edward) leaped over the defense to head home a Nick DeProspero (Midlothian, VA/Cosby) corner kick.

Just moments later, DeProspero made a run through the Saints back line when he was tripped by a defender in the box. Junior Matt Swaney (Potomac Falls, VA/Potomac Falls) buried the penalty kick into the back of the net to get the Tigers the lead for good. The second half began just as the first one ended, with a healthy dose of Hampden-Sydney pressure on the back line of Marymount. In the 56th minute, Swaney fired a shot from the right side that was blocked by the Saints keeper, but the ball bounced right to DeProspero who buried the ball in the back of the net.

Hampden-Sydney's final goal came in the 86th minute, when senior JoJo Howard (Lanexa, VA/New Kent) made a run through the left side of the Saints defense before centering it to junior Andrew Berg (Aberdeen, Scotland/Int'l School of Aberdeen). Berg was able to hold off the defender on his back, turn to the middle and fire a blast past the diving keeper.

The Tigers' winning play earned four Tigers spots on the all-tournament team. DeProspero, Swaney, freshman Chris Whiteside (Virginia Beach, VA/Frank W. Cox), and junior Sam Turner (Richmond, VA/Benedictine) were named to the all-tournament team, and Chonko and sophomore Bryan Wharton (Glen Allen, VA/Deep Run) were named co-MVPs.

The win was the 50th career victory for head coach Josh Laux. He becomes just the fourth coach in Hampden-Sydney history with 50 wins, and is the third fastest coach to accomplish the feat.

With the win, Hampden-Sydney improves to 4-1-0. The Tigers will hit the road on Wednesday, September 16th for an ODAC clash at Virginia Wesleyan.

Tiger Invitational All-Tournament Team

Kjell Crooke Marymount
Carlos Selenas Marymount
Philippe Milogo Marymount
Jeff Floyd Guilford
Tom Crowley Guilford
Will Sutton Wesley
Nick DeProspero Hampden-Sydney
Sam Turner Hampden-Sydney
Chris Whiteside Hampden-Sydney
Matt Swaney Hampden-Sydney
Brett Chonko (MVP) Hampden-Sydney
Bryan Wharton (MVP) Hampden-Sydney