Four years ago today, the Middlebury Panthers’ men’s soccer team notched its second win of the season on a 1–0 road victory over Connecticut College. Daniel O’Grady ’19 scored the lone goal in the 32nd minute of the match, launching a 14-yard blast into the back of the net after fooling Camel goalkeeper Mark Cameron.
Panther goalkeeper Greg Sydor ’17 aided the effort, particularly in the final 30 minutes. After Connecticut College player Ben Manoogian fired a teasing strike in the 68-minute mark, Sydor responded with an impressive save — but his job wasn’t over. With 8:40 on the clock, Pat Devlin of the Camels managed to rip a shot from six yards out, but Sydor was equal to the task once again. The Connecticut native notched his 17th career shutout after finishing with six saves on the day; during a game in which the Panther offense failed to produce at a high level, Sydor more than compensated with his performance. In the end, O’Grady’s goal sealed the deal for the Panthers, advancing them to 2–0 on the season.
The 2016 Panther side would eventually go on to lose in the NESCAC Semifinals to Hamilton after a dominant 9–3–3 regular season and a thrilling last-second victory in the NESCAC Quarterfinals over Williams. By the end of the season, Sydor added seven more shutouts to his resume for a career total of 24, an all-time second-best in the program.
Throwback Thursday: this day in 2016: Sydor’s defense lifts Middlebury
Goalkeeper Greg Sydor ’17 helped the Panthers to a 1-0 victory Connecticut College on September 9, 2016. (Photo courtesy of Middlebury Athletics)
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