As the rain cleared at 1 p.m. on Oct. 25, more fans began to show at Haworth Field; the home of Guilford’s men’s soccer team. The team took to a slippery field in crisp white uniforms, which only awaited a muddy undertaking. The excitement surrounding the game was building for the men as an Old Dominican Athletic Conference (ODAC) tournament seat was resting on the match ahead. Standing in the way of the Quakers win was Emory & Henry College.

In the early goings of the first half it was all-Quakers, with the Emory & Henry Wasps’ defense under constant pressure. The Quakers were able to get off five shots on goal in the first 25 minutes by beating the Wasps’ defense with quick sharp passes, great ball handling, and communication.

Guilford held Emory & Henry scoreless for 27 minutes before a crowded goal box resulted in a goal for the Wasps. The goal was scored off of junior and midfielder Erik Olson’s head. Freshman goalkeeper Peter Truitt seemed unnerved by the goal but had confidence that the Quakers would come back and win.

The first half came to a close and the Quakers remained scoreless. Five minutes into the second half, Truitt left the game with a head injury and was replaced by veteran goal-keeper Patrick Childs, who brought energy to his defense. Well into the second half the Wasps held a 1-0 lead, but the Quakers continued to charge the Wasps defense.

The Quakers were able to finally break down the Wasps with seven minutes left in the game. A long ball from senior Scott Meguid resulted in a goal tapped in by first-year and forward Jordan Alexander. Alexander, who has eight goals this year, is Guilford’s leading scorer, and is ranked among the highest scorers in the league.

At the end of regulation, the Quakers and Wasps were tied 1-1. For the fifth time this season, the Quakers went into overtime.

During overtime, coaches, players, parents and fans, were all on the edge. Fans were nail-biting after the Wasp’s two shots on goal in the first three minutes, which were blocked. A corner kick by the Wasp’s left the sidelines breathless. Finally, in the 96th minute, a breakaway goal was scored by Emory & Henry forward, P.J. Henson. The goal was devastating, as the Quakers were defeated.

The game tested not only physical stamina but also sportsmanship. It was exciting from beginning to finish because of the competitive nature of both teams. Emory & Henry and Guilford fans were both vocal about pushes, trips, and grabs, and the referees agreed issuing three yellow cards, and 15 fouls to the Wasps.

“We try and set the tone with a physical game, while at the same time we try and keep our mouths shut about calls the referees make and focus on our own goals and not let our issues get in the way of the game,” said Alexander.

The Quakers lost another close game on Tuesday, Oct. 28 against Hampton Sydney College. The 2-0 defeat put the final nail in the season’s coffin.

“It was a sad ending to an up and down season,” said forward Jeff Floyd. “We had a lot of close games that just didn’t go our way.”

The Quakers may be excluded from an ODAC tournament run, but in staying positive, there’s always next year.