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!