Men take out Bowdoin in Brunswick, still undefeated

Author: Kevin Carpenter

The Bowdoin Polar Bears proved more like frightened cubs in their 1-0 loss to the Panthers last Saturday, Oct. 4.

The Panthers extended their unbeaten streak - now standing at 5-0-1 overall - and booked another shutout for keeper Brian Bush '09, who now has four on the season. This win marked the first time in 13 years that the team has won in Brunswick, Maine.

Although Middlebury dominated play, the scoring did not come so easily.

"The first half was good for us," said tri-captain Allen Bourdon '08.5. "The tempo was pretty high and we had the majority of possession and chances."

In the first half, both Bowdoin and Middlebury had several chances with five shots apiece, yet both teams were held scoreless. The Panthers' defense was key in stopping any Bowdoin attack.

"We did a pretty good job of handling their speedy forwards," said Bourdon, "and we were pretty dominant across the midfield and up front."

Both teams' first-year forwards were lethal up front. Middlebury's Tyler Macnee '12 racked up three shots in the game and Bowdoin's Eddie Jones had four shots on goal. But in the first half, defense was paramount.

"The game plan going into the second half was exactly the same - play our game," says Bourdon. "If we just kept playing our game and bring a little more intensity then a goal was basically inevitable." The tri-captain and his team were quick to deliver after the break.

The game's only goal came early in the second half from Macnee.

After a carry down Bowdoin's side and a cut-back, Macnee ripped a shot that buzzed by the keeper in the lower left corner to give Middlebury the lead and, ultimately, the win.

Macnee leads the team with an impressive five goals on the season. He has been the trigger of the Panthers' offense.

The second half saw more Panther-dominated play.

"For the most part, the team held possession well and was able to create a fair amount of chances," said Bourdon.

Ball movement was contained and fluid through the middle with outstanding play from tri-captain Baer Fisher '09 and Carson Cornbrooks '11.

In the backfield, solid performances came from Colin Nangle '10 and especially Corey Moffat '09, despite being sick, commented Bourdon.

The only true scare for Middlebury came with five minutes to play when Bowdoin's Eddie Jones nailed a shot to the lower left corner. The shot mirrored Macnee's goal and seemed like a sure thing. But Bush would save the day again with a diving stop, preserving the win.

The win places Middlebury atop the NESCAC conference and fourth in national polls. Approaching the halfway mark of the season, Middlebury has proven themselves to be a worthy contender to defend their NESCAC and National championships.

The Panther's match Tuesday, Oct. 7 against Trinity marks the half way point in the season and will likely be their toughest challenge yet. But with young talent and hardened, experienced players, the rest of the season is looking bright.