The Goal that Broke the Camels' Back

The tenacious defense of the Panthers resulted in 1-0 victory and the first career clean sheet for keeper Ethan Collins ’14 on Saturday, Sept. 14 at home against Connecticut College.

Coming off a weeklong reprieve due to a rainout on Wednesday, Sept. 11 the Panthers were eager to even their record after last week’s heartbreaker at Amherst.  Middlebury applied steady pressure in the first half, outshooting the Camels 6-1.  In the 18th minute Harper Williams ’15 served up a beautiful cross from the right side that was broken up by the Camel keeper. Finally, 37 minutes into play, Court Lake ’16 sent a free kick into the box that was headed home by Deklan Robinson ’16 for his first goal of the season.

“It felt fitting that  Deklan Robinson had the game winner, especially since he had 2 goals called back for no apparent reason in the 1-1 draw last year against Conn,” Collins said.

The Camels refused to roll over, attempting four shots in the second half to Middlebury’s zero, but were unable to make a breakthrough Collins finished with three saves in net.

“Collins played very well and I was delighted for him to get the clean sheet,” head coach David Saward said. “He has worked very hard and his efforts were well rewarded. He played steadily and showed an authoritative yet calm presence for the team.”

“It felt great to get my first clean sheet, but it was definitely a team effort,” Collins said. “Everyone fought hard for the 90 minutes- especially our back line … I’m really excited to be starting in goal this year … My freshman year I made it my personal goal to get the starting job and I’ve been putting the time and effort in ever since. It feels amazing to see the hard work pay off.”

Seven first-years saw their first game action after being forced to sit out last week’s tilt because of mandatory MiddView orientation trips.  Greg Conrad ’17 and Adam Glaser ’17 played all 90 minutes, with Conrad attempting one shot.

“I thought the first-years all performed very well … in addition Luis Echeverria ’17 did very well in the all important midfield area … I do know they were all excited to get a competitive match in [after missing last week’s match],” Saward said.

“As soon as I stepped on the field, I was surprised by how quickly and physically the match was being played,” Echeverria said. “Nevertheless, I was happy with my performance and, most of all, I was happy to help the team get the win.

Middlebury continues conference play next Saturday, Sept. 21 at Bowdoin where the Polar Bears will be led by first-year coach Scott Wiercinski, Middlebury class of 1999.