EMORY, Va. - The Emory & Henry College Men's Soccer Team continued to move forward this fall, finishing with an improved 4-10-3 (2-7-2 ODAC) record, its best in conference play since 2001. The year represented the fourth-best in league matches in program history including a three-match unbeaten streak in ODAC competition for the first time since 1996 and just the fourth time in program history. E&H earned its first All-ODAC recognitions since 2008 as sophomore Jordan Couch and freshman Tyequis Stallins were named to the all-league second and third teams, respectively.
Fellow seniors, Jared Oliver, Iseman Knight and Devon Brodkin contributed massively to development of the young squad both on and off the field. Oliver stated, "The season was the best one in a long time here both on the field and off, the onus is now on the young guys to continue to carry the program forward, and I have no doubt that they will."
The Wasps saw many bright spots in the season including a 2-1 win over Hampden-Sydney, their first win over the Tigers since 1996. E&H snapped a 10-match losing streak to Virginia Wesleyan College earning a 1-1 draw in their conference opener. The Wasps' season total of 22 goals is the most since 2008 and their six goals against the University of Valley Forge were the most since they lit up the scoreboard for 11 against Pikeville College in 2006 season.
The team was paced offensively by Couch and Stallins. Couch led the Wasps in goals (six), assists (four), points (16), shots (39), shots on goal (19), and match-winning goals (two). He was also named ODAC Player of the Week on October 12. Stallins netted five goals and three assists and accumulated thirteen points. He was named ODAC Player of the Week on September 14, becoming the first E&H player to win the honor since 2009. The pair was supported by sophomore Chandler Hundman (2 goals, 2 assists) and freshmen Colin Foley (2 goals, 1 assist), Joel Tidman (1 goal) and Nickolas Taylor (2 goals and 2 assist). In fact, Tidman was the only player to start every game for the Wasps. Craig Cook, a midfielder, started 16 matches and played the second most minutes on the team.
Junior goalkeeper Didier Grillet anchored the defense, starting 16 of the season's 17 matches. Grillet led the league with 96 saves, while improving on his win total (four), goals against average (2.39) and save percentage (.722). He posted a pair of matches with 10 or more saves, including a career-high 15 against Roanoke College.
Reflecting on the season, Coulter commented, "(We) played with a level of energy, confidence, desire, and swagger that we've never had before. We went into each game believing we could win. This mentality, along with the exceptional talent and youth on the team gives the program a very bright future."
Team Leaders
Goals – 6 - Jordan Couch
Assists – 4 – Jordan Couch
Shots – 39 – Jordan Couch
Saves – 96 – Didier Grillet
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