Friday, October 28, 2011
Generals Finish 3rd in ODAC
The Generals wrapped up regular season play with a home game vs Emory and Henry College. The win put the Generals on level terms in the ODAC table with Randolph College, both teams finished the season with 18 points. The tie breaker between the two teams was head to head competition and thanks to a 2-1 OT victory over Randolph on October 1st, we were able to finish in the top four and secure a home game in the first round of the playoffs. The Generals now play host to Lynchburg College tomorrow afternoon at 2pm and we look forward to a good crowd for Parents Weekend. Follow all the ODAC Soccer action here. http://www.odaconline.com/tournament/fall/msoc/index
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Habitat For Humanity
The entire team did a great job and we were able to finish insulating the entire crawlspace and the majority of the main living space. The team was rewarded with itchy skin and a meal at Originals Resuturant in Buena Vista.
Robert Wiseman (Pictured above) took home the award for Best Dressed with his carpenter jean short, tube socks, Underdog tee, and his paint covered little league baseball hat. Congrats!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
ODAC Week 5: Guilford and Bridgewater
The Generals ended the week 1-0-1 to remain in 3rd place in the ODAC. The 1-1 tie yesterday's make-up game vs Bridgewater College ended a 6 game win streak but the Generals remain unbeaten in their past 7 games. The Generals have a important game tomorrow against last years ODAC Champions Lynchburg College. A positive result would see us go one step closer to hosting a quarter-final tournament game.
Monday, October 10, 2011
ODAC Week 4: Virginia Wesleyan College
The Generals continue to roll winning their 5th strait against The Virginia Wesleyan Marlins on Saturday. VWC is our longest ODAC trip of the season, which leads us to our interesting overnight trip to Norfolk, Va.
Friday: As we embarked on our 4 our journey we learned a couple of things about our bus. 1) The WiFi and Satellite connections only work for 10% of the drive, the DVD player hates Redbox rentals, and a GPS unit is probably a useful tool for a bus driver to own.
We arrived to the hotel later than expected, (12am) after taking an unplanned tour of Virginia Beach and through the surrounding neighborhoods. When we finally made our way back to Norfolk and the proper hotel, a rather long hotel check in process insued. Rolf was required to sign off on each individuals room (26 players=26 signatures) and I think I could actually see his blood pressure start to rise at this point. Finally, after the players were organized and off to their rooms all that was left was for Rolf and I to find our room.THE HONEYMOON SUITE! Yep one giant king size bed with a great view of the hot tub in the corner or the room. I thought to myself this is either going to go one of two ways here! 1) Rolf is going to lose it! or 2) Find this situation for what is was......Hilarious. He went the way of number two. I so wish I would have taken a picture of that room. So back down to the front desk and 20 minutes later they found us a room with two beds.
Saturday: Started with a large IHOP breakfast and a warming Happy Birthday song to Robert Wiseman by the entire IHOP staff. It was classic!
We then arrived at Virginia Wesleyan's campus to find that it was their Homecoming! This is the second ODAC game in a row where we faced a team on their Homecoming. Yes, and this is the second year in a row that we have not had a Homecoming game. So in front of 1,000 plus fans, the Generals were able to battle away and gain the victory with a great left footed strike from Dave Phillips and a couple of point blank saves from GK Ben Petitto.
The Generals look to continue their winning streak as they face two ODAC opponents this week against Bridgewater College and Guilford College. The game on October 15th vs Guilford College is also our Senior Day.
Friday: As we embarked on our 4 our journey we learned a couple of things about our bus. 1) The WiFi and Satellite connections only work for 10% of the drive, the DVD player hates Redbox rentals, and a GPS unit is probably a useful tool for a bus driver to own.
We arrived to the hotel later than expected, (12am) after taking an unplanned tour of Virginia Beach and through the surrounding neighborhoods. When we finally made our way back to Norfolk and the proper hotel, a rather long hotel check in process insued. Rolf was required to sign off on each individuals room (26 players=26 signatures) and I think I could actually see his blood pressure start to rise at this point. Finally, after the players were organized and off to their rooms all that was left was for Rolf and I to find our room.THE HONEYMOON SUITE! Yep one giant king size bed with a great view of the hot tub in the corner or the room. I thought to myself this is either going to go one of two ways here! 1) Rolf is going to lose it! or 2) Find this situation for what is was......Hilarious. He went the way of number two. I so wish I would have taken a picture of that room. So back down to the front desk and 20 minutes later they found us a room with two beds.
Saturday: Started with a large IHOP breakfast and a warming Happy Birthday song to Robert Wiseman by the entire IHOP staff. It was classic!
We then arrived at Virginia Wesleyan's campus to find that it was their Homecoming! This is the second ODAC game in a row where we faced a team on their Homecoming. Yes, and this is the second year in a row that we have not had a Homecoming game. So in front of 1,000 plus fans, the Generals were able to battle away and gain the victory with a great left footed strike from Dave Phillips and a couple of point blank saves from GK Ben Petitto.
The Generals look to continue their winning streak as they face two ODAC opponents this week against Bridgewater College and Guilford College. The game on October 15th vs Guilford College is also our Senior Day.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
ODAC Week 3: Ferrum and Randolph College
The Generals won back to back games this past week with wins over non-conference opponent Ferrum College and conference foe, Randolph College. These two wins saw the Generals climb to .500 in the season with a record of 4-4-1.
In the mid week match up the Generals found themselves down 1-0 early in the game after Bastian Richter hulled down a Ferrum striker in the box resulting in a penalty kick 12 minutes into the match. The boys responded well and leveled the match in the 26th minute with a deflected goal scored by senior captain, Connor Pierce. A minute and a half later Bastian Richter redeemed himself from the penalty, as he climbed high in air at the top of the box to flick on a long free kick over the out rushing Panthers keeper. The Generals continued to play high pressure an notch a third goal just before halftime with a great combination play between sophomores Justin TenBrook and Alex Zelinski. TenBrook's pass across the box created a gaping goal for Zelinski to smash home his first goal of the year. The second half was a different affair as Ferrum continued to battle hard and cut the deficit to 3-2 with 20 yard shot that took a slight deflection off one of our center back sending our keeper the opposite direction. The Generals were able to hold onto the lead and weather the constant pressure in the remaining 15 of play.
On Saturday Washington and Lee traveled to Lynchburg, Va to face Randolph College. Randolph was coming off a pair of conference losses from the week before but were 8-0 before conference play and ranked #25 in the polls. It was a great Saturday afternoon with perfect weather and a great atmosphere with over 600 fans in attendance! After an average performance from the Generals in the first half and conceding a goal midway in the second, a positive result was starting to slip away. To the guys credit they continued to fight and play hard to the very end of the match. In the remaining 5 minutes of the match, the Generals were able to generate some scoring opportunities as well a gather 3 corners kicks. It was off one of these corners that the Generals were awarded a penalty kick. A string of cards were handed out on the play, including a red card to a Randolph defender. Conor Starr was able to convert on the penalty to draw level at 1-1 with 1:32 on the clock. It took until overtime for the Generals to get their best chances of the game. Parker Wolfinger had a goal called off after he was deemed to be offsides. (It was the first time all game that I thought he actually was onside!) With little time remaining in the first overtime Justin TenBrook was able to get on the end of a long free kick and flicked it on to Wolfinger, who made a well timed run to get in behind the defense. A couple of touches later he was able to slot the ball past the keeper for the Generals first overtime win of the season.
I would also like to thank all the parents and family member who have continued to put on a great tailgate after our games. The coaching staff and players very much appreciate your efforts and you ability to cook!
In the mid week match up the Generals found themselves down 1-0 early in the game after Bastian Richter hulled down a Ferrum striker in the box resulting in a penalty kick 12 minutes into the match. The boys responded well and leveled the match in the 26th minute with a deflected goal scored by senior captain, Connor Pierce. A minute and a half later Bastian Richter redeemed himself from the penalty, as he climbed high in air at the top of the box to flick on a long free kick over the out rushing Panthers keeper. The Generals continued to play high pressure an notch a third goal just before halftime with a great combination play between sophomores Justin TenBrook and Alex Zelinski. TenBrook's pass across the box created a gaping goal for Zelinski to smash home his first goal of the year. The second half was a different affair as Ferrum continued to battle hard and cut the deficit to 3-2 with 20 yard shot that took a slight deflection off one of our center back sending our keeper the opposite direction. The Generals were able to hold onto the lead and weather the constant pressure in the remaining 15 of play.
On Saturday Washington and Lee traveled to Lynchburg, Va to face Randolph College. Randolph was coming off a pair of conference losses from the week before but were 8-0 before conference play and ranked #25 in the polls. It was a great Saturday afternoon with perfect weather and a great atmosphere with over 600 fans in attendance! After an average performance from the Generals in the first half and conceding a goal midway in the second, a positive result was starting to slip away. To the guys credit they continued to fight and play hard to the very end of the match. In the remaining 5 minutes of the match, the Generals were able to generate some scoring opportunities as well a gather 3 corners kicks. It was off one of these corners that the Generals were awarded a penalty kick. A string of cards were handed out on the play, including a red card to a Randolph defender. Conor Starr was able to convert on the penalty to draw level at 1-1 with 1:32 on the clock. It took until overtime for the Generals to get their best chances of the game. Parker Wolfinger had a goal called off after he was deemed to be offsides. (It was the first time all game that I thought he actually was onside!) With little time remaining in the first overtime Justin TenBrook was able to get on the end of a long free kick and flicked it on to Wolfinger, who made a well timed run to get in behind the defense. A couple of touches later he was able to slot the ball past the keeper for the Generals first overtime win of the season.
I would also like to thank all the parents and family member who have continued to put on a great tailgate after our games. The coaching staff and players very much appreciate your efforts and you ability to cook!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
ODAC Week 2: Eastern Mennonite and Hampden-Sydney
Week two saw the Generals play host to Eastern Mennonite University on a rare Tuesday game and then faced rivals Hampden-Sydney College on Saturday afternoon. After only taking one point away from two games in week one, the Generals needed some valuable points to get back up the ODAC table.
Tuesdays game versus EMU started with dismal first half performance. We were caught on our heels, unorganized in the back, and gave them way too much time on the ball for most of the 45 minutes. The Royals took advantage late in the first half off a direct free kick from 18 yards out.The boys responded well in the second half and battled hard to get us on level terms in the 75th minute. James Paldino (leading scorer so far with 5 points) scored far post off a blocked shot inside the 18 yard box. The Generals continued to up the pressure in the remaining 10 minutes and saw a few chances fall our way, but could not slip one in in regulation. As soon as overtime started it ended. 50 seconds in OT, EMU flicked one after a defensive miscue between the center backs and keeper. It was a tough way to lose the game especially after a dominate second half performance.
Saturdays home game was the biggest game to date this season. In desperate need of 3 points and some much wanted revenge on a team that has ended the Generals post season the past couple of years. The Generals opened up flying scoring early in the 6th minute with a Conor Starr rip from 12 yards out. The generals continued to play well for the remainder of the first half, limiting Hampden-Sydney to one shot on goal. The second half lead to a more defensive mindset to continue to limit their chances in the midfield and to preserve our lead.To defend a 1-0 lead for 45 minutes is a daunting task but Parker Wolfinger provided some relief in the opening minutes of the second half to score his first goal of the season (FINALLY!). The 5-8 140 lb beast climbed in the air to head home a back post cross from first year Al Organ.
This was an incredible win for the team and coaches and we look to continue our great play as we travel to Ferrum College on Wednesday and then again play on the road against #25 Randolph College.
Tuesdays game versus EMU started with dismal first half performance. We were caught on our heels, unorganized in the back, and gave them way too much time on the ball for most of the 45 minutes. The Royals took advantage late in the first half off a direct free kick from 18 yards out.The boys responded well in the second half and battled hard to get us on level terms in the 75th minute. James Paldino (leading scorer so far with 5 points) scored far post off a blocked shot inside the 18 yard box. The Generals continued to up the pressure in the remaining 10 minutes and saw a few chances fall our way, but could not slip one in in regulation. As soon as overtime started it ended. 50 seconds in OT, EMU flicked one after a defensive miscue between the center backs and keeper. It was a tough way to lose the game especially after a dominate second half performance.
Saturdays home game was the biggest game to date this season. In desperate need of 3 points and some much wanted revenge on a team that has ended the Generals post season the past couple of years. The Generals opened up flying scoring early in the 6th minute with a Conor Starr rip from 12 yards out. The generals continued to play well for the remainder of the first half, limiting Hampden-Sydney to one shot on goal. The second half lead to a more defensive mindset to continue to limit their chances in the midfield and to preserve our lead.To defend a 1-0 lead for 45 minutes is a daunting task but Parker Wolfinger provided some relief in the opening minutes of the second half to score his first goal of the season (FINALLY!). The 5-8 140 lb beast climbed in the air to head home a back post cross from first year Al Organ.
This was an incredible win for the team and coaches and we look to continue our great play as we travel to Ferrum College on Wednesday and then again play on the road against #25 Randolph College.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
GENERALS CLUB
We want to encourage our supporters to help our program by making a contribution to the Generals Club. We can not run a first class program without this fund.
Our annual recruiting data base system fees, our video editing system, our video camera for filming, our small practice goals, the rain suits the players have for practice and games, team practice attire, our end of the year team dinner, and much of our special practice equipment have all been funded by the Generals Club.
Please go to the Athletic Giving tab on the athletics main page at generalssports.com if so inclined.
Thanks you for those that have already donated!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
ODAC Week 1: Randolph-Macon and Roanoke
The Generals first week in the ODAC was a tough one, as the team pulled away with one point from two games. The 0-1-1 mark in ODAC play is a harsh reflection of how the team has actually performed over the past two matches. The Generals opened up with an away visit that saw them draw 0-0. A great second half performance followed a slow unmotivated first half performance, that resulted in 14 shots alone in the second half to R-M 6. Parker Wolfinger and Dave Phillips lead the Generals with 7 great chances combined, but was unable to convert. It was a frustrating draw, that should have seen the team walking away with 3 points at the end of the day.
On that Saturday the Generals faced arguably one of the toughest opponents of the season Roanoke College. The Generals came out hard with an inspired first half performance. We takled hard, won headers in the midfield, and created great chances going forward. We were rewarded for our efforts with a great overlapping run by Zach Clarke, who then sent the ball across the box to First Year midfielder Max Quelhorst. Max finished on his first touch to earn his first goal of the season. In the final minutes of the first half the Generals were caught too far forward. Roanoke took advantage on the counter attack, which lead to an unfortunate own goal. The second half both teams played evenly until Roanoke struck late in the game on a set piece to take the 2-1 lead. The Generals continued to fight to the end with 3 quality chances in the dying minutes, but were again unable to finish.
On that Saturday the Generals faced arguably one of the toughest opponents of the season Roanoke College. The Generals came out hard with an inspired first half performance. We takled hard, won headers in the midfield, and created great chances going forward. We were rewarded for our efforts with a great overlapping run by Zach Clarke, who then sent the ball across the box to First Year midfielder Max Quelhorst. Max finished on his first touch to earn his first goal of the season. In the final minutes of the first half the Generals were caught too far forward. Roanoke took advantage on the counter attack, which lead to an unfortunate own goal. The second half both teams played evenly until Roanoke struck late in the game on a set piece to take the 2-1 lead. The Generals continued to fight to the end with 3 quality chances in the dying minutes, but were again unable to finish.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Season Opener
The Generals opened up their season on September 1. Our opponent, Bluefield College, is a NAIA Division I school. We entered the game not really knowing what to expect from them. A quick goal from James Paldino, gave the Generals the spark that made a big difference. Our game was on. David Phillips scored a second goal to give us a 2-0 halftime lead. The second half, we scored a quick goal by Connor Pierce. Dylan Norvell finished the scoring. All in all, it was a strong outing by the Generals. A very young defense did a solid job; offensively we were creating lots of chances( and even finishing a bunch!). We moved the ball around very well.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Blue Jay Classic
Day 1:
The Generals soccer team dropped both games over the weekend to two tough opponents. The weekend tournament was almost called off due to the severe flooding in the Harrisburg, PA area. After 15 inches of rain in two days the tourney was moved to a field-turf, off campus location. We faced Elizabethtown College in the opening game of the tournament and suffered a hard fought 0-1 decision. E-Town opened the scoring early in the game off of a corner kick. The ball was sent back post to an unmarked man who then sent the ball back across the box for an easy finish from 6 yards out from goal. The Generals pressed hard towards the end of the first half and gained a few half chances on goal. The second half again saw the Generals pushing to even the score. There was great service in the box in the box box but we just seemed to be a step behind unable to get on the end of it. The team battled hard and the coaching staff felt we deserved to even the match towards the end of the game.
Day 2:
With a quick 12 hour break from the first game, the Generals faced 2011 NCAA tournament team Desales University. Desales proved to be a tough physical opponent that played very direct. They had a Strong set of forwards that were very effective in the air. As a result we went down early again after they buried a great headed from a cross. Soon after we had a man red carded and we down and struggling with 1o men on the pitch. On the resulting free kick Desales scored again. down 2-0 and with 10 men the Generals pulled together and got one back after a great headed off the dome of sophomore center back Colin Hagenbarth. The second half looked more promising as we gathered more chances in the final third but we were unable to convert. The rest of the game was a struggle with 10 men and we dropped the game 4-1.
We are now 1-2 and head into conference play this week against Randolph-Macon and then play host to Roanoke College at 1pm on Saturday.
The Generals soccer team dropped both games over the weekend to two tough opponents. The weekend tournament was almost called off due to the severe flooding in the Harrisburg, PA area. After 15 inches of rain in two days the tourney was moved to a field-turf, off campus location. We faced Elizabethtown College in the opening game of the tournament and suffered a hard fought 0-1 decision. E-Town opened the scoring early in the game off of a corner kick. The ball was sent back post to an unmarked man who then sent the ball back across the box for an easy finish from 6 yards out from goal. The Generals pressed hard towards the end of the first half and gained a few half chances on goal. The second half again saw the Generals pushing to even the score. There was great service in the box in the box box but we just seemed to be a step behind unable to get on the end of it. The team battled hard and the coaching staff felt we deserved to even the match towards the end of the game.
Day 2:
With a quick 12 hour break from the first game, the Generals faced 2011 NCAA tournament team Desales University. Desales proved to be a tough physical opponent that played very direct. They had a Strong set of forwards that were very effective in the air. As a result we went down early again after they buried a great headed from a cross. Soon after we had a man red carded and we down and struggling with 1o men on the pitch. On the resulting free kick Desales scored again. down 2-0 and with 10 men the Generals pulled together and got one back after a great headed off the dome of sophomore center back Colin Hagenbarth. The second half looked more promising as we gathered more chances in the final third but we were unable to convert. The rest of the game was a struggle with 10 men and we dropped the game 4-1.
We are now 1-2 and head into conference play this week against Randolph-Macon and then play host to Roanoke College at 1pm on Saturday.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Pre-season Wrap Up
A new era initiated the men’s soccer team with the arrival of pre-season 2011 on August 18. This reporting date was a whole week earlier than any previous pre-season. This allowed the team to have the same period of preparation as our competitors. In years past, we have opened up against teams who had at least 2 games under their belt. Now we are able to open without the handicap of inadequate preparation.
The extra week allowed a much healthier approach to pre- season. This extra time allowed the coaches to prepare the team in a more progressive and thorough manner, rather than cramming so many things in so little time.
The fully engaged agreement we committed to inorder to get the extra week, had us experiencing some interesting approaches to team building. A team frisbee golf outing on the school’s 12-hole course was a big hit. (Only 2 of our 37 frisbees came back intact; so much for the Dollar Tree $1 specials!). Our team hike to St. Mary’s Wilderness had us arriving at the waterfalls just as a major thunderstorm cracked above us, and poured a torrential rain on us. James Dick, W&L’s Outing Club Director, led the team on a ropes course initiative. He was extremely complementary on the team’s performance: he had never had a large group complete the activity before!
A real big hit in pre-season was our use of a caterer, Effie, to serve most of our meals. Our Dining Hall meal schedule did not suit our practice schedule so we gave this a shot. The players were able to plan their menus, and loved her cooking. No doubt we will do so again!
(Robert Wiseman)
(Robert Wiseman)
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