(September 26, 2009) LYNCHBURG, VA – The Hampden-Sydney soccer team scored an important ODAC victory tonight in driving rain against the Wildcats of Randolph College by a margin of 1-0.

The pace of play was slow from the start of the game as both teams tried to get used to the weather and field conditions. Heavy rainfall thoroughly drenched the field, making it difficult to gauge bounces and ball speed. The Tigers began to adapt, however, and began creating scoring chances. In the 15th minute, senior Brett Chonko (Farmville, VA/Prince Edward) just missed the goal on a header off of a corner kick.

Hampden-Sydney had another chance In the 27th minute, when freshman Nick DeProspero (Midlothian, VA/Cosby) had a shot from the top of the box that sailed right of the goal. The Tigers finally got on the board in the 42nd minute when a DeProspero corner kick bounced off of several players in the box before sophomore Bryan Wharton (Glen Allen, VA/Deep Run) gathered it, turned and fired it past a diving keeper.

The second half looked much like the first, with the Tigers pressing up and creating opportunities. Senior JoJo Howard (Lanexa, VA/New Kent) used his speed up top to beat Wildcat defenders to balls and control possessions to create more chances for the visiting squad. In the 70th minute, Howard played an excellent ball from the right wing to a waiting Wharton, whose header sailed just to the left of the goal. In the 73rd minute, sophomore Bryan Hughes (Midlothian, VA/Cosby) had an opportunity when he fired a low shot that the keeper had to dive to save.

Despite numerous chances, Hampden-Sydney was unable to find the goal in the second half, but any Randolph hopes for a counter attack were quickly dismissed as the Tigers back line suffocated the Wildcat attack all night, allowing only two shots and one shot on goal. The Hampden-Sydney defense is establishing itself as a tough wall to crack, pitching their third consecutive shutout.

With the victory, the Tigers improved to 7-2-0 overall and 2-1-0 in the ODAC, while Randolph dropped to 2-6-1 overall and 1-2-0 in the ODAC. The Tigers will return to action on Wednesday the 30th as they continue their road swing when they face Bridgewater College at 4 pm.