HARRISONBURG, Va.  – Following back-to-back road losses, the EMU Men's Soccer team looked to back on track at home against another tough opponent in Hampden-Sydney. The visiting Tigers came into the game ranked 13th in the NCAA NPI and 22nd in the United Soccer Coaches poll.  
 
At first, it looked as though the homestanding Royals would spring the upset, getting out to an early 2-0 lead. However, Hampden-Sydney countered with four unanswered goals, including three late in the second half to come away with the 4-2 victory over EMU.

Records: EMU 6-5-5, 1-4-2 ODAC | #13/22 Hampden-Sydney 11-1-2, 5-0-2 ODAC

Highlights

• 15' | The Royals lit up the EMU Turf Field scoreboard first as Hamidullah Tokhi used a brilliant setup from Chris Salazar to hammer home a shot from the top of the box to put the home team up 1-0.
• 26' | A short while later, Elijah Byrd headed in a cross from Iverson Garcia to double the Royals' lead to 2-0.
• 31' | Hampden-Sydney notched their first goal of the net courtesy of Owen Edwards. That made the halftime score EMU 2, Hampden-Sydney 1.
• The visiting Tigers came out strong in the second half, keeping the ball mostly in their attacking third. The Royals held strong defensively until three straight goals by the Tigers in the final 12 minutes, including the game-winner off of the foot of Mason Dudley.

 
Statistical Leaders
Goals: Byrd, Tokhi (1)
Assists:  Garcia, Salazar (1)
Saves:  Andrew Arledge (4)

What's Next
EMU Men's Soccer will have their last road trip of the 2025 season this Saturday, Oct. 25 when they travel to Guilford. Opening kick against the Quakers is set for 3 p.m.