Emory, Va. - The Emory & Henry men’s soccer team looked to take a step forward in their second year under head coach Robert Richardson. The team finished with an improved record of 3-12-1 (1-10 ODAC) recording the fewest losses during a season since 2008.  The campaign also marked only the fourth occasion that the program has finished with consecutive seasons with a win in conference.

The current Wasps squad is two-thirds under classmen. Seniors and team captains, Jared Eiriksson and Kenny Sterne, led this young team through the challenges of the season.  On leaving the team, Sterne said, “I will be sad to leave the field, but I know that I will never leave the program. I am so thankful to have been given this opportunity and privilege. I am sure that the work that my class has put forth will only be continued by the great members we have now.”  Sterne played in 64 career games while starting 34, recording 2 goals and 4 assists. Eiriksson played in 63 career games while starting 45.  He netted all of his 3 goals of his career this season reaching career highs in goals (3), points (6), shots (19), and shots on goal (7). These two seniors certainly left their mark on Emory & Henry soccer.

There were several bright spots this season. The team finished runners-up in the Raven-Quaker Classic tournament with a win and tie.  Sophomore Zach Quest scored two goals, including the second fastest goal in school history (28 seconds) against Anderson University and was named the tournament offensive MVP. Senior Jared Eiriksson, Sophomore Josh Villanueva, and freshman Chandler Copeland were the three other Wasps that were named to the All-Tournament team. 

Lead by Quest’s team high five goals that tied PJ Henson’s 2009 total.  The team improved their goals tally to fourteen, tying the most scored since 2008.  Quest expressed, “Finishing the season as the leading goal scorer was one of my personal goals before the season began, so I am very pleased, although it really motivates me to achieve more next season.” Seven different players contributed an assist this campaign.

Sophomore goalkeeper, Didier Grillet, finished tied for third in the ODAC with 72 saves in his 13 games played. He was in goal for all three of the victories for the Wasps, which featured a conference shutout vs. Shenandoah.  Grillet also tallied an assist in conference versus Guilford. About the future of the Wasps, Grillet stated, ”I think the program is on its way up and it is up to me and the other leaders on the team to keep our focus as a team on improving this offseason, the spring, and summer in order to be a serious threat next fall.”

Look for this young Wasps team to continue to improve in the coming years. With only two seniors leaving, the team has gained valuable experience this season. Eiriksson stated, “The culmination of the good and the bad is guiding the team in the right direction, should the guys continue to let it. I do not think our record ever reflected the success we had or the growth the team saw. I believe that the program is changing for the better and I believe in the group of guys, and the coaching staff here; they can do anything moving forward and the ODAC should be scared. “

Team Leaders

Goals – Zach Quest, 5

Assists – Seven tied, 1

Points – Zach Quest, 10

Shots – Zach Quest, 25

Saves – Didier Grillet, 72