Toth '07 inspires Midd in first-round nailbiter Early penalty sends Panthers to NESCAC semis in smash-and-grab victory

Author: Tom McCann

If the old adage that the foundation of every great team is a great defense is true, the Middlebury men's soccer team of 2005 can consider itself one of the best. Of course, all truly great teams have to win silverware, and at the semi-final stage of the NESCAC tournament, nothing has been proved yet. However, after another shutout performance from Zack Toth '07 and his men, this Panther team has given itself every chance of bringing home the trophy.

Last Saturday, the men's soccer team welcomed Tufts for the NESCAC first-round for the third consecutive year. Two years ago, the Panthers emerged with a hard-fought 1-0 victory, and last year the two teams played out an epic overtime battle. The Panthers eventually came out on top, winning 4-3, after scoring three goals in the final 15 minutes of regular time to force an extra stanza. This year, while not as dramatic, was just as close.

A hallmark of the Panthers this year has been their ability to score the first goal early in the game. True to form, less than eight minutes after the whistle, Middlebury was awarded a penalty for a foul in the box. Co-captain Derek Cece '06 confidently slotted it away, giving the Panthers the early lead with their first real attack of the game. Tufts had started the brighter, but Middlebury made the early breakthrough.

As the first-half continued, the Jumbos began to find some openings in the Middlebury backline. Mattia Chason, a striker for Tufts was put through on goal just three minutes after the Panthers took the lead, only to see his shot from an angle well saved by Toth. Three minutes later Chason had a clearer opportunity, but again Toth stood tall and repelled his effort.

Not long after, Billy Brennan '08 looked to be shepherding a harmless pass back to his goalkeeper, but according to the referee impeded the Tufts attacker running through. An indirect free-kick was awarded to the Jumbos from 10 yards out, and the Panthers looked to be in trouble. For most teams, this unusual scenario would result in a chaotic scramble among the defending team, deciding how to line up and what to do - not Toth's team. The junior barked orders, pulled and pushed players into position and organized almost everyone along the goal line. He took his place in front of the wall and prepared to charge the impending free-kick. As Tufts touched the ball, Toth charged the shot and threw himself in front of it as it hurtled towards the net. The ball cannoned off his chest and after a brief scramble in the box and was cleared for a corner. When someone needed to take command, Toth did just that.

From the ensuing corner kick, Tufts had the ball in the net, only to see the header ruled out for a push in the melee that led to the goal. Despite their complaints, Tufts still trailed the Panthers, courtesy of Toth's bravery and awareness. While the Panthers led at halftime, it was bittersweet, as their talisman David LaRocca '08 was helped from the field after apparently falling awkwardly in an innocuous challenge. Unfortunately for the sophomore, the reigning NESCAC Rookie of the Year, and his team, tests revealed a torn ACL that will end his participation in this year's postseason march. The resilient striker will no doubt bounce back, and the NESCAC will need to be ready for him next year.

The second half yielded few glaring opportunities, although Toth had to tip one powerful drive over the bar in the last few minutes. The inevitable final scramble never really amounted to much, with the Panthers standing firm and claiming a hard-fought 1-0 victory.

The victory means that they will travel to Williams next weekend to face Amherst in the NESCAC semifinal, with a date against either Wesleyan or hosts, Williams to follow, should they emerge. In the past two seasons, Bowdoin has ended the Panthers' season at the NESCAC semifinal stage, but the Polar Bears were shocked 4-1 at home by Wesleyan. The Panthers will not have to take on Bowdoin this year, but can expect an equally tough game from the Lord Jeffs who handed Middlebury a 2-1 defeat earlier this year. The Panthers will look to avenge that regular season loss when it really matters, setting up a probable date with the Ephs for the NESCAC crown.