Hampden-Sydney Soccer

SOCCER TIGERS DROP 2-1 DECISION TO URSINUS

Lynchburg outlasts Alvernia 2-0 in second game of Arby's/H-SC Soccer Classic

(September 1, 2007) HAMPDEN-SYDNEY, VA – Ursinus College erased a one goal deficit with two goals in the second half to upend host Hampden-Sydney 2-1 in the first game of the 2007 Arby’s/Hampden-Sydney Soccer Classic. Ursinus midfielder John George headed a long cross by Tiger keeper Ben Marchetti (Richmond, VA/Benedictine) in the 77th minute, and the Bears withstood a furious flurry from H-SC in the final ten minutes to preserve the win.

The Tigers were the fortunate recipients of an Ursinus own goal in the 38th minute to take a 1-0 advantage. Hampden-Sydney dominated much of the first half possession, and amassed eight shots in the opening stanza while holding the Bears without an attempt. Bears keeper Ed de Gottal turned away three excellent Tiger chances in the first 45 minutes to keep their deficit at one at the break.

Ursinus would assert themselves in the second half, tying the score at 1-1 in the 69th minute on a brilliant 22-yard volley from forward Ted Hooven. Just eight minutes later, Ursinus defender Donald Reilly's long ball found George, who was able to rise above the Tiger defenders and slip a header just above the reach of Marchetti for the eventual game winner.

Hampden Sydney received solid play from senior midfielder Greg Danahy (Roanoke, VA/Hidden Valley) and sophomore midfielder JoJo Howard (Lanexa, VA/New Kent), who recorded four shots, three being on goal. Hampden-Sydney out-shot the Bears 18-7, but were unable to convert on several key opportunities.

de Gottal was superb in the net for Ursinus, recording nine saves on the afternoon.

In the second game of the day, Lynchburg used two penalty shot goals to upend Alvernia 2-0.

Senior midfielder Phil Francois converted both penalty attempts, one in each half, to account for Lynchburg's two goal win. The Hornets were aggressive offensively, constantly applying pressure to the Crusader defense while blasting 24 shots, ten of which were on target.

All four teams will be in action again on Sunday, as Lynchburg will take on Ursinus at 12pm followed by Hampden-Sydney facing off with Alvernia at 2:30.

-www.hsc.edu/athletics-