Tribe Claims ODU Soccer Classic with 2-1 win over Loyola (Md.)

Sophomore forward Andrew Hoxie earned the classic MVP honors.

09/17/06 6:25PM

Norfolk, Va. - For the fourth time overall and the first time since 1998, the William and Mary men’s soccer team claimed the ODU Stihl Soccer Classic with a 2-1 victory over Loyola (Md.) on Sept. 17. By virtue of goal differential, the College claimed the classic title over the host Monarchs, who also finished a perfect 2-0 at the event. It marked the seventh time in the 20 years W&M has competed in the classic that it finished with a perfect 2-0 mark. After playing one of toughest early season schedules and starting 1-4 with all four defeats coming to top-25 teams, the Tribe won its third straight to even its season ledger at 4-4.

“Overall, it was a good weekend, and we won the tournament title,” head coach Chris Norris said. “Today, we did not have our best game. We went to the half tied at one, and I was not happy with the goal we allowed. To the guys credit though, they came out and played inspired soccer to start the second half.”

The Tribe led the way with four all-tournament selections in sophomore forward Andrew Hoxie, senior striker Pat Scherder, junior midfielder Doug Ernst and sophomore midfielder Brock Jones. Hoxie took home the MVP hardware after finishing with six points on two goal and two assists. He tallied both goals, including the eventual game-winner in W&M’s 5-1 victory over No. 29 (College Soccer News) UNC Greensboro.

After coming out of the locker room tied at one, the Tribe tallied what proved to be the game-winner a minute into the second half. Scherder got out on a breakaway 30 seconds into the half. His attempt on frame was pushed wide of the goal, but Ernst corralled the ball and served it into the box from the flank where Jones headed it home. The helper was Ernst’s team-leading fourth assists of the season, while Jones tallied his first goal of the season. As a redshirt freshman in 2005, Jones tied for second on the squad in goals with five.

The Tribe kept the pressure on in the second half, outshooting the Greyhounds, 14-4. Half of those attempts were on goal, forcing the Loyola goalkeeper to make six saves. By contrast, the Greyhounds did not threaten the W&M frame with a shot in the second 45 minutes. Overall W&M doubled up the Greyhounds in shots at 18-9.

W&M opened the scoring in the 17th minute of play. Ernst tallied his third goal in as many games to give the Tribe and early lead. Hoxie garnered the assist on the play, his second of the season. Ernst and Hoxie are now tied the team lead in points with 10 apiece.

Loyola found the equalizer off a cross 11 minutes later. Julian Cantillo served the ball to the middle of the box, where Camilo Correa tallied his first goal of the season.

The Tribe will open Colonial Athletic Association play in Williamsburg next week. W&M will host Drexel at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22, before Delaware travels to Albert-Daly Field on Sunday, Sept. 24, at 2 p.m. Both games can be heard live over the Internet at TribeAthletics.com with Fernando Valle and Stephen Chanderbhan on the call.

Box Score