ASHLAND, Va. – Randolph-Macon Men's Soccer used strong midfield and backline play to control the pace against Hampden-Sydney on Wednesday.
The Basics
Score: Randolph-Macon 2, Hampden-Sydney 0
Venue: Ashland, Va. // Randolph-Macon College // RMC Grass Soccer Field
Records: Randolph-Macon (7-3-2, 4-2-1 ODAC); Hampden-Sydney (10-3-2, 3-3-1 ODAC)
How it Happened
- In the opening minutes of the match, shots came at a premium, with each team only recording one in the first 12 minutes.
- Both teams traded possession the ensuing 20 minutes and in the 32nd minute, the Lemon and Black earned their second offensive opportunity on a shot from Keanan Kopp (Blacksburg, Va./Blacksburg). Barrett Wilson (Lexington, S.C./Lexington) added another opportunity in the 34th minute, trying to break the deadlock.
- Three minutes later, the Yellow Jackets found themselves on the defensive with HSC creating offensive chances. The backline of Quinn Conlan (Crofton, Md./Archbishop Spalding), Charis Tchatat (Douala, Cameroon/Albert Einstein), Rylan Sumner (Richmond, Va./J.R. Tucker) and Bryce Hanna (Asheville, N.C./Asheville) weathered the attack and the teams remained knotted at 0-0 heading into halftime.
- Coming out of the break, RMC kept its foot on the gas and threatened with two chances in the 50th and 51st minutes from Tyler Oakes (Nottingham, England/Toothill School) and Tchatat. Tigers' keeper Daniel Beb made two incredible saves on the shots, keeping the game level.
- 10 minutes later, Wilson received a throw-in from Damien Jackson (Newport News, Va./Menchville) in the box, which Wilson headed home opening the match's scoring. Five minutes later, the Yellow Jackets added another goal thanks to a beautiful finish from Jayden Walker (Suffolk, Va./Norfolk Collegiate), assisted by Damien Jackson, 30 seconds after he was inserted into the second half.
- In the 68th minute, Damien Jackson threatened with another shot on frame but Beb pushed the chance away.
- HSC continued to press the attack, searching to cut the deficit and gain momentum but the Yellow Jackets' midfield, led by Bryce Kuberek (King George, Va./King George) struggled to find and ground in the Yellow Jackets' defensive half. The backline continued to hunker down and lock up the Tigers' attack for the rest of the game, earning a controlling 2-0 victory.
Inside the Numbers
- Walker and Wilson tallied the two goals for the Yellow Jackets in the second half.
- Damien Jackson assisted both goals in this afternoon's contest.
- RMC outshot HSC 13-to-eight overall and eight-to-three in shots on frame.
- The Lemon and Black held a seven-to-five advantage in corners.
For the Record
- Head Coach Josh Laux improves his record in this historic rivalry to 15-6-3, splitting time at the helm at both schools.
- Today's match is the first time since 2018 that the Yellow Jackets have earned a shutout victory over the Tigers.
Up Next
Randolph-Macon remains at home when they host Eastern Mennonite on Saturday, October 24, for Senior Day at 4:00 p.m.
