Soccer wins 3-0 with LaRocca brace

Author: Tom McCann

After opening their season with a scrappy 3-1 win against Connecticut College, the Panthers looked to find more of a rhythm against Castleton, a team against which Middlebury has historically found considerable success. Quickly following on the heels of Castleton's visit and Middlebury's home opener, came a trip to Tufts, another team that the Panthers have had the upper hand over in recent years. Both games went to form in that Coach Saward's men emerged with two wins, but neither game was put beyond doubt until late.

In the first of the two games, Middlebury jumped out to an early lead when Baer Fisher '09 opened the scoring for the Panthers. However, despite dominating the game, Middlebury was not able to add to their lead before the interval and were almost shocked by an equalizer in the final seconds of the first half. Nolan Lincoln '09 preserved the lead for the Panthers, courtesy of a goal-line clearance, and ensured the 1-0 advantage stayed in tact.

Castleton would live to regret their lack of a cutting edge, as it took less than two minutes for Middlebury to extend their lead after the restart. Brodie MacDearmid '07 netted for the Panthers, and as a result the door was firmly closed on Tufts. Brandon Johnson '08 added a third inside the final five minutes, but it was academic by that point. Such was the dominance from the hosts that Middlebury out-shot their visitors 30-4, cruising to a second consecutive win.

Having effectively dismantled Castleton, confidence was high heading into a showdown with the Jumbos. It was always likely to be a closely-fought encounter and the first half indicated as much. The teams headed into the break deadlocked at 0-0, with both teams appreciating the importance of getting on the board first. Fortunately for the Panthers, Vandy Shanholt '08 was up to the task, firing home his second goal of the season seven minutes into the second stanza.

However, 20 minutes later, with the game delicately poised, sophomore David LaRocca stole the show. Last year's NESCAC Rookie of the Year emerged from a tackle with the ball and extended Middlebury's lead to two, then he was at it again within thirty seconds. After a delicious flick from Fisher, LaRocca effectively ended the contest with his second goal of the game and Middlebury's third.

The LaRocca-show took a further twist however, with the sophomore seeing red for a tackle from behind. However, it did nothing to affect the outcome of the game - he had seen to that with his quick-fire brace.

As time wound down, junior goalkeeper Zach Toth maintained his second consecutive clean sheet, leading Middlebury to an impressive start to the season. Next up for the Panthers will be the visit of Colby-Sawyer, after which they will take themselves on the road to Wesleyan. Coach Saward will be hoping his team can continue to build upon the positive start that it has made so far, and with nine goals scored and just one conceded in 270 minutes, it may well be a case of so far, so good.