(September 19, 2009) HAMPDEN-SYDNEY, VA – The Hampden-Sydney soccer team scored a 2-0 win today in an ODAC matchup against the Emory and Henry wasps at Miller Field on the strength of two second half goals from sophomore Byran Wharton (Glen Allen, VA/Deep Run).

The first half saw the Tigers with plenty of opportunities that they were unable to capitalize on. The Wasps' defensive formation forced the Tigers to possess the ball for long periods of time, which led to several missed chances. Hampden-Sydney was able to get off 11 shots in the first stanza, but because the attacking third of the field was clogged with the blue shirts of the Wasps, it was difficult to get anything through to the goal. The first half ended in a scoreless stalemate.

Halftime adjustments by head coach Josh Laux, who today moved into third place on the Hampden-Sydney soccer coaching victories list with his 51st win, paid dividends as the Tigers began to generate more opportunities. Freshman Connor McCarthy (Midlothian, VA/Clover Hill) opened up lots of space in the midfield with accurate passing and composed possessions that enabled the Tigers to ratchet up the attack. In the 62nd minute, senior Christopher Tait (Nokesville, VA/Brentsville) made a hard-charging run up the left side of the field where he was able to turn the corner on his defender at the end line and send a centering pass into the middle of the box. Wharton was there to meet the ball right in front of the net where he calmly knocked it home.

With a new-found energy, the Tigers struck again less than a minute later. The Tigers took possession of the ball after the Emory and Henry kickoff, and junior Matt Hampton (Virginia Beach, VA/Kellam) sent a long pass to a streaking Wharton on the right wing. Wharton was able to outrace the defender to the ball and strike a well-placed shot into the corner of the net past the diving goalkeeper. The two goal pad would be all that the Tigers needed on the afternoon, and provided the final score of 2-0.

The Tigers outshot the Wasps on the day 20-9, and junior goalkeeper John Robert Plyler (Charlotte, NC/Myers Park) stopped all six shots that he faced. Junior defenseman Sam Turner (Richmond, VA/Benedictine) orchestrated the back line's steady play with strong play and vocal leadership.

With the win, Hampden-Sydney improves to 5-2-0 overall, while leveling their ODAC ledger at 1-1-0. The Tigers will return to action on Wednesday, September 23 at Miller Field at 4 pm as they take on the Pride of Greensboro College