LC Wins, RC Advances on Penalty Kicks Over VWC

SALEM, Va. --- The ODAC men's soccer semifinals featured a come-from-behind win, a new ODAC career record and penalty kicks in determining the two teams that will play in the 2009 ODAC Men's Soccer Tournament championship game.  Lynchburg College scored twice in the second half to defeat Hampden-Sydney College, 2-1, in Hampden-Sydney.  Roanoke College advanced 4-2 on penalty kicks at Virginia Wesleyan College after the two squads battled to a 1-1 tie through 110 minutes of play.

The Marlins' Brandon Massie set the ODAC all-time points record in the first half against RC.  His goal marked the 144^th point of his career, surpassing former VWC standout, Evan Whitson (143 points).

Both regulation goals of that contest came in the opening half with the Maroons jumping on the scoreboard first.  Cameron Travalini beat the keeper across his goal to the right in the 16^th minute off a pass from Chris Collins.

The Marlins responded quickly, evening the tally just short of four minutes later.  Massie slotted home a cross from John McKenzie in the 20^th minute, giving Massie his ODAC-leading 16^th goal of the season.

Both sudden-victory overtime periods passed without a game-winner, sending the teams into penalty kicks.  The Marlins missed their second and fourth kicks, allowing Jason Ryan to seal the Maroons' advancement with their fourth try.*

In the afternoon semifinal, it was Hampden-Sydney that drew first against Lynchburg.  The Tigers' Nick DeProspero tallied his fifth goal of the season off an assist by Brandon Haynes in the 29^th minute.  That would be the only score of the opening frame, with the two squads playing close to even through the first 45 minutes.

Lynchburg turned up the offensive pressure in the second half, out-shooting the H-SC, 11-6, on the way to its two goals.  Michael Abbonizio brought the Hornets level in the 60^th minute.  He made good use of a pass from Stephen Legg for his fifth goal of the season.

Legg was on the other side of the game-winner in the 67^th minute.  His third goal of the campaign was an unassisted effort that provided the Hornets with the difference it needed to move through to the ODAC finals.

The 2009 ODAC Men's Soccer Tournament championship game is set for Saturday, November 7, in Lynchburg, Va.  A game time has yet to be determined.  For more information on ODAC men's soccer, visit the website of any of the participating schools, or go to the ODAC's NEW home on the Internet at www.odaconline.com.  To go directly to the tournament website, click HERE.


*Note: in terms of overall records, the result between Roanoke and Virginia Wesleyan is officially recorded as a tie with Roanoke earning advancement to the ODAC finals.  VWC's record is now 14-3-3, and RC's stands at 12-5-4.