Men’s soccer prevails over Jumbos in opener

The Middlebury men’s soccer team’s quest for a Division III national championship began this past Saturday on Tufts’ Kraft Field in Medford, Mass. The Panthers ended the day one small step closer to this goal, securing their first NESCAC win of the season in a contested, 1-0 victory. While the Jumbos have traditionally struggled in the ultra-competitive NESCAC conference, tying for last place at the conclusion of the 2009 season, a new coach and renewed commitment seem to have uplifted the Tufts squad this year; the close game between the powerhouse Panthers and the cellar-dwelling Jumbos is yet further proof of the evenly-matched competition that characterizes the NESCAC.

A headed set-piece goal by Tyler Macnee ’12 off the foot of Robbie Redmond ’12 was all the team needed to outlast its NESCAC rival. While only putting five shots on Tufts goalie Alan Bernstein, the team relied on strong defensive play led by goalie Tim Cahill ’12, who made five saves en route to his seventh career shutout. The big-time performances of his veteran players were of no surprise to head coach Dave Saward.

“If we are going to be successful this season,” said Saward, “these players need to have productive years. Macnee has all the qualities to be one of the most dangerous players in this league, while Redmond is creative and has yet to find his full rhythm.” Saward added that while “Cahill was solid and played within himself, clean sheets are the responsibility of the whole team, especially the back four, who played very well on Saturday.”

This first conference win is certainly a big deal for a team with such lofty aspirations.

“We know that every game will be tough and getting that first win was great,” said Ethan Galiette ’13. “Tufts battled the entire 90 minutes so leaving Boston with a NESCAC victory was definitely a step in the right direction for us.”

However, Coach Saward was quick to retort when asked about the significance of the win. “The challenge for any team is to continue to improve each day and to turn the confidence gained from each match into a more effective performance the next time. Thus we are talking about gaining consistency!” said Seward. While the aforementioned returning junior starters made the most noticeable impact on the game, several new players helped fill the void left by the graduating seniors, especially the team’s new starters on defense.

“Rob Cole ’13 started at right back for the first time in a Middlebury uniform,” said Galiette. “He did a really great job winning tackles and defending the right flank.”  Matt Martin ’12.5 also started his first game at center back for the team.

“He was poised and did not put a foot wrong,” said Coach Saward. The Panthers will hope that both Cole and Martin continue to grow into their starting roles as the team has the opportunity in the next few weeks to solidify a strong start to the season.

The team will host four straight home games in the next two weeks, including two against NESCAC opponents Trinity (9/18) and Bowdoin (9/25).

“To play well and get results at home is very important, particularly as we only have six home matches in total,” stressed Saward. “To be home for these four contests is a bonus.”

A 5-0 start is a strong possibility for the Panthers, who face their next opponent, Trinity, at home this Saturday, Sept. 18 at 2:30 p.m.