HAMPDEN-SYDNEY, VA (December 1, 2008)—Hampden-Sydney head soccer coach Josh Laux has selected three players to captain his 2009 soccer squad. Sophomore keeper John Robert Plyler (Charlotte, NC/Myers Park), junior forward Will Robertson (Charlotte, NC/Charlotte Catholic), and junior defender Christopher Tait (Nokesville, VA/Brentsville) will look to lead the 2009 Tigers to their first-ever Old Dominion Athletic Conference championship.

Plyler, 2007 ODAC Rookie of the Year and Virginia Sports Information Director's all-state Rookie of the Year, will return as the Tigers' stopper between the pipes. Plyler is coming off of another successful year with a 12-6-1 record. Plyler also led the Tigers to eight shutouts on the year recording an impressive 0.93 goals-against-average.

Robertson had a stellar 2008 as he earned first team All-ODAC. He was second in the team in goals with eight and was the leading assist man with seven. Robertson's outstanding 23 points came from his elusiveness and creativity in the Tiger offense. As Robertson has improved his statistics every season, he will look to have another breakout year as a senior captain in 2009. 

Tait is one of the best outside backs in the league and will look to anchor the 2009 Hampden-Sydney defense. A 2007 honorable mention honoree, Tait is one of the toughest defenders in the ODAC who has a combination of speed and instincts to help anchor a Tiger defense that gave up less than ten shots a contest and held opponents to a 0.95 goals per game average. Tait has shown he can also be a threat on the offensive side of the game as he fired off five shots in 2008. 

"I feel that our team is in great hands under the leadership of these three captains," said Laux. "These three have been major contributors to the team since their freshmen years, and not only has their play helped constantly improve the team, but their positive attitudes on and off the field have played a huge role in our success. I have no doubt that these three will continue to be great leaders for the 2009 season."

    -www.hsc.edu/athletics-