Depleted Men's Soccer Team Falls in OT at Amherst

A weakened Middlebury men’s soccer squad traveled to Amherst for a matchup with the heavily favored Ephs on Saturday, Sept. 7. Middlebury played well against its eighth-ranked NESCAC rival, taking a 1-1 tie into overtime before Amherst ended the drama quickly with a goal in the fourth minute of extra time, sealing a 2-1 final score.

The team’s roster of 25 players includes 11 first-years, none of whom were present because of the mandatory MiddView orientation trips, leaving only three substitutes on the bench for coach David Saward. A handful of first-years are expected to see significant time the remainder of the season.

Amherst controlled the tempo in the first 15 minutes, setting a frenetic pace. Middlebury tried to slow the ball down, but Amherst was able to continually apply pressure and speed up the game. However, by the middle of the first half the Panthers settled in and put together a few chances. Late in the half the Panthers drew a clear foul and earned a penalty kick, which Harper Williams ’15 netted in the 42nd minute.

Amherst again applied steady pressure to begin the second half. Less than 20 minutes in, keeper Thomas Bull played a long ball forward to the head of Nico Pascual-Leone who redirected the ball to teammate Greg Singer. Singer ripped a low shot into the net and past goalkeeper Ethan Collins ’14.

Amherst appeared to have momentum after drawing level. But the Panthers were able to rebuff the Amherst offensive.

“They bunkered down and defended well,” said Saward. “Ethan was coming and getting the ball for us, which really helped.”

In extra time Amherst used a long throw to earn the game-winner.  Max Fikke tossed the ball into a mass of bodies and found Ben Norton, who played the ball to the back post where Pascual-Leone scored the game winner.

“They worked so hard to get to that point,” said Saward. “I think they knew they did really well. I just hope that it carries forward into Wednesday [at Norwich]. I was definitely encouraged.”

Saward’s options were limited with the absence of 11 first-years.

“Especially when you think you’ve got three or four impact-level players, the lack of depth had an effect on the team’s spirit and attitude as well,” said Saward.

One such first-year, Greg Conrad ’17 was disappointed, but felt the decision aided the team in some ways.

“Obviously, it wasn’t what I wanted to hear when arriving on campus, especially the fact that it was Amherst,” Conrad said. “But, it has really fired up our squad and we are anxiously awaiting our first game with everyone back.

Saward would not use a reduced roster as an excuse, however.

“You work hard, you do your best over whatever period of time you play, and if you’ve got some talent, then some good things will happen,” he said.

“Overall you have to be disappointed with a loss,” said midfielder Andres Rodlauer ’16. “It was a beatable Amherst team and a good performance for 90 minutes but ultimately we came up short.”

A few individuals performed particularly well in the close loss. Deklan Robinson ’16 had a strong match, and captain Adam Batista ’14 “worked his socks off” according to coach Saward.  Williams shook off the pressure to score the Panthers’ only goal.

Despite the defeat, the Panthers are confident that success is on the horizon.

“We’re confident that we are the best team in the NESCAC and are poised to make a big run at a championship season,” said Rodlauer.

The Middlebury men where back in action on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at Norwich whom they beat 2-0 last season, and will be reinforced by the return of the first-years. NESCAC play will  resume on Saturday, Sept. 14 at home in a tilt against Conn. College.