(September 23, 2009) HAMPDEN-SYDNEY, VA – The Hampden-Sydney soccer team defeated the Pride of Greensboro College today by a score of 1-0 in a non-conference matchup at Miller Field.

The pace of play was slow from the start, with the ball remaining in the middle third of the field for stretches of time as each side tried to implement their game plans. The Tigers were eventually able to keep the ball and move forward with it, generating scoring chances. In the 20th minute sophomore Bryan Wharton (Glen Allen, VA/Deep Run) gathered the ball at the top of the box, spun and fired a shot that hit the right post. In the 30th minute following a Greensboro corner kick, freshman Andre Graham (Midlothian, VA/Midlothian) dribbled the ball the length of the field weaving through defenders before dropping a pass off to fellow freshman Nick Deprospero (Midlothian, VA/Cosby) who launched a shot that the keeper was able to stop. The Tigers outshot the Pride in the first half 10-3 and had an advantage of 8-2 in corner kicks, but Hampden-Sydney was unable to capitalize on those chances.

The Tigers caught a lucky break early in the second half when a Greensboro forward had an opportunity from close range but sent the shot wide right. The home squad responded to the near-disaster with a heightened level of intensity and began to assert themselves. Sophomore midfielder Bryan Hughes (Midlothian, VA/Cosby) began to consistently outwork the Pride midfield, opening up the attacking third for offensive opportunities. In the 73rd minute, the Tigers' hustle paid off when Wharton forced a turnover by Greensboro. He dribbled it across the top of the box, drawing the defense to himself, before passing it to a streaking Brandon Haynes (Raleigh, NC/Broughton) who fired a strike that deflected off of the keeper and into the goal. Haynes' goal would prove to be the game winner as neither team was able to find the net again.

On the day, the Tigers outshot the Pride 22-11, including 6-2 in shots on goal. Hampden-Sydney also took 12 corner kicks on the day to Greensboro's 4. Goalkeeper John Robert Plyler (Charlotte, NC/Myers Park) was again solid in between the pipes, earning his fourth shutout of the season.

With the win, Hampden-Sydney improves to 6-2-0 overall, while Greensboro falls to 0-5-1. The Tigers will return to action on Saturday, September 26 as they visit the Wildcats of Randolph College in an ODAC matchup. The Tigers' next home contest will be on Saturday, October 3 at 3 pm as they take on Mary Washington for family weekend.