The Hampden-Sydney soccer team is off to a 7-2 overall and 2-1 ODAC start for the 2009 season. At this point in time last season, the Tigers were 5-3 overall and 1-1 ODAC. The team’s great start this season can be attributed to great leadership, a tremendous amount of talent, and the team’s cohesiveness. Senior captains John Tait and Will Robertson and junior captain J.R. Plyle have been some of the cornerstones of this year’s squad. There are also a number of returners who are having immediate impacts for the team such as Bryan Wharton, who has 5 goals for the season. On defense Matt Swaney, Brett Chonko, and Sam Turner have been keeping attackers at bay.

Sam Turner, a junior defender from Richmond, VA says, “this season is going really well, and if we get two more wins, we should have a 9-2 record, which would be the best starting record ever for the soccer team. At the end of the season last year, we lost captain Will Robertson to injury, but we have standout freshmen Nick Deprospero and Curren Blackwell that have stepped up to the challenge.” He also added that the Tigers are leading the ODAC with only 5 goals allowed. Brett Chonko, a senior defender from Farmville, VA says “Our experience in the back and at midfield has been crucial to our success and it shows by the fact that we have only given up 5 goals in 9 games.

Players such as Bryan Hughes and Bryan Wharton have been great contributors to the season so far, and will be vital down the stretch. Freshmen Nick Deprospero and Chris Whiteside have had immediate impacts in the progress of the team, and will only get stronger as the season progresses.” The Hampden-Sydney Soccer team will definitely be in the hunt for an ODAC title this season. This year’s team has all qualities and talent that should serve them well in the playoffs. Come out and support the Tigers at home as they take on Mary Washington at 3:00 PM on October 2nd and Randolph Macon on October 14th at 4:00 PM.

Related posts:

1. H-SC Soccer On the Prowl
2. Soccer Off to Rollercoaster Start
3. Soccer Season Ends on a High Note
4. Quick Hits
5. Soccer Team’s Historic Run Comes to a Close