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(11/15/12 12:27am)
After the disappointment of an early exit against Wesleyan in the NESCAC quarterfinal, the women’s soccer team undertook a second chance at tournament play this past weekend as Middlebury hosted an NCAA tournament regional. The Panthers started off well, defeating Castleton State 3-1 on Saturday, Nov. 10 in the regional semifinal. However, the Panthers were not able to advance past the second round, suffering a 1-0 defeat against Misericordia.
On a windy Saturday afternoon, Middlebury and Castleton State started the first half off quietly, battling for possession. While both sides had their chances, Middlebury was the first team to break the deadlock. With nine minutes remaining in the first half, Carter Talgo ’15 sent in the ball from the corner kick, allowing Colby Gibbs ’13 to head it into the top right corner.
The Panthers continued to build up momentum with a strong start to the second half. Middlebury pressed Castleton back deep into its own half with a display of probing passes. They were especially successful up the right hand flank, sending several crosses into the 18-yard box.
Amy Schlueter ’13 came close to adding to the score after cutting in past defenders, but she narrowly curled the ball over the left corner of the goal. Just moments after Schlueter’s chance, Scarlett Kirk’s ’14 chip hit the crossbar after a pass from Julia Favorito ’14.
Given the offensive pressure, Middlebury was able to double its score in the 56th minute. Schlueter cut the ball back for striker Kirk on the edge of the box, who beat her marker before coolly rolling the ball into the bottom right hand corner.
Castleton reacted positively to going 2-0, pulling back a goal in the 64th minute. Castleton’s Costello won the ball 25 yards out, took a touch past the Middlebury defender and unleashed a powerful shot that sailed past Elizabeth Foody ’14.
Despite their lead, the Panthers continued to pile on the pressure, constantly looking to unleash their forward players. Schlueter narrowly missed curling in a ball from a half volley.
Middlebury finished off the scoring recipients of a fortunate bounce. As Hannah Robinson ’16 directed a shot on goal, Jamie Soroka ’16 was unable to get out of the way. The ball bouned off Soroka’s back and wrong-footed Castleton goalkeeper Kaleigh Newton.
The team’s fight and performance sat well with its captains.
“I’m so proud of this team,” co-captain Lucy Wagner ’13 said. “Even after our NESCAC quarterfinal loss, not knowing whether or not we would get a bid, everyone gave it [their] all in practice and we continued to improve as a team. And going into NCAA, we were a different team. A better team. A more united team.”
The Panthers were forced to make a quick turnaround and play Misericordia in the Regional Final just 24 hours later.
Middlebury started off the stronger of the two sides, forcing the Misericordia defenders to make several frantic clearances. Much of the play occurred in the midfield as both teams tried to establish themselves. The play was also especially physical, with both teams exerting aggressive pressure on the ball.
Middlebury, Kirk especially, had a few decent chances. The striker was first played through on the left wing, taking on a defender before Misericordia’s goalkeeper made a good save on her near post. Kirk came close again after controlling a long ball from Favorito, trying to chip it over the oncoming goalkeeper, but was unable to get the power needed.
Despite early Middlebury domination, Misericordia opened the scoring account against the run of play in the 24th minute. Sam Helmstetter latched onto a cross and was able to turn her defender before tucking the ball into the right hand corner.
Despite going down a goal, the Panthers continued to challenge Misericordia. After a quick turn surrounded by defenders, Kirk’s lob narrowly went over the crossbar. The half finished with a scramble in front of the Cougars goal before the ball was cleared off the line.
Misericordia started off the stronger of the two teams in the second half, building on the confidence from their first goal. Helmstetter in particular was a problem for the Middlebury defenders, constantly pressuring them when in possession.
Middlebury created some chances throughout the second half, pressing for an equalizer. Favorito narrowly missed the goal with a powerful strike that sent the Cougars goalkeeper diving to her left. Kirk also created a good opportunity after stealing the ball on the edge of the 18-yard box and driving to the edge of the touchline before unleashing a high shot.
There was a sense of urgency for the Panthers in the final 10 minutes of the game as the team began to pick up pace. They bombarded Misericordia’s box with numerous crosses as the defenders scrappily hung on and even cleared a shot off the line. They were unable to equalize, however, as they went on to lose 1-0.
“Everyone was disappointed that our season came to an end on Sunday, especially because we felt like this group really could have gone all the way in the tournament,” said Maddy Boston ’13. “On Sunday, despite out-shooting and out-playing [Misericordia], we didn’t having any luck in scoring. Sometimes soccer just goes that way.”
Middlebury ends their season with a record of 13-2-2, but great hope for the future.
“Overall, I’m proud of how much hard work and dedication this group brought every day this season,” Schlueter said. “Our ability to demand more of ourselves and each other raised the level at which we played to a new standard for Middlebury women’s soccer. I can’t wait for them go above and beyond that standard next season.”
(10/31/12 8:28pm)
It was an up and down week for the Panthers. While the Middlebury women’s soccer team secured the top seed in the NESCAC tournament with a 3-1 away win against Williams on Wednesday, Oct. 24, its short run in the tournament ended just days later on Saturday, Oct, 27 after a 2-0 upset against eighth-seeded Wesleyan in the quarterfinal.
Against Williams, the Panthers controlled the game from the outset with fine-tuned passing. Their first goal came in the 14th minute when Julia Favorito ’14 converted Scarlett Kirk’s ’14 cross from the left sideline, first controlling the ball with her head and then sending it over opposing keeper Laura Wann. Despite outshooting the Ephs by 6-3 in the opening frame, the score remained 1-0 after 45 minutes.
Williams started the second half strong by leveling the score in the 52nd minute by way of a powerful strike from Carla Nicasio. Though Williams played with renewed energy, Middlebury kept pushing for a winner.
The breakthrough came 13 minutes later on a Middlebury counterattack. Kirk, named NESCAC Player of the Week with goals in three straight contests, cemented herself as the Panthers’ leading scorer after tucking the ball in the net past the oncoming Williams goalkeeper.
“Everyone on our team has her role, and considering that I play forward, one of my roles is to score, assist or be involved in the goals we score. By scoring I feel like I am playing my part on the team,” Kirk said.
The Ephs nearly tied the game just minutes after, as Crystal Lewin was able to get three shots off in Middlebury’s 18-yard box, but the ball ricocheted off Panthers defenders before Elizabeth Foody ’14 cleared the lines.
Kirk completed her brace with the game’s final goal in the 71st minute. After Favorito forced a turnover in the midfield, she played the ball through to Kirk who was able to loft the ball over a solitary Wann.
After the game against Williams, Middlebury went into its NESCAC quarterfinal feeling confident. However, Wesleyan shocked them just three minutes into the game. After Kerry Doyle sent the ball in Middlebury’s box from a free kick, the ball bounced in front of Foody before Isabel Clements was able to control the ball down and place a high shot into the net.
Wesleyan was quiet for the rest of the half as Middlebury pressed for an equalizer. The Panthers applied pressure on Cardinals players, making sure they were given little time on the ball and forced to make mistakes.
Middlebury almost had their breakthrough in the 30th minute as Kirk headed the ball just over the bar from Claire Nishioka’s ’15 cross. Just minutes later Kirk was again denied a goal after a save from Jessica Tollman.
The Panthers continued to pick up momentum in the second half and created many opportunities, but lacked the finishing touch. The 65th minute marked a golden chance for the team, when Kirk found space on the edge of the box and fired a left-footed strike that rattled the post.
Middlebury also tried to capitalize on their numerous corners throughout the game. Kirk twice headed the ball just over the bar after getting open in the box off of corner kicks.
Although much of the final period was played in Wesleyan’s half, the Cardinals doubled their score in 80th minute against the run of play. Foody was unable to stop Laura Kurash’s shot from the edge of the box, and the ball sailed into the top left corner.
“This is not how we wanted the playoffs to turn out for us,” said co-captain Amy Schlueter ’13.
The Panthers’ attacking frustration was compounded by the fact that they outshot Wesleyan 22-4. Furthermore, it was only the second game of the season where Middlebury failed to score.
The Panthers must now play a waiting game until Nov. 5 to see whether the NCAA selection committee will extend their season.
“We’ll need to process Saturday’s events, put them behind us, then get back to the business of preparing for the best possible competition next week,” coach Peter Kim said. “It’s easy to over-think these things, when in reality we’re a good team who had a bad game. We just need to persevere, and keep our fingers crossed that the work we’ve put into this season earns us an at-large bid.”
(10/25/12 1:14am)
The women’s soccer team continued its impressive season this past weekend by posting a commanding 3-0 win against Bates on Saturday, Oct. 20. The victory was also head coach Peter Kim’s 100th career win at the helm of the program, making the homecoming win even more significant.
With the victory, Kim became the first women’s soccer coach in school history to reach 100 wins. After nine seasons, he now holds a career record of 100-35-18.
The game started off at a slow pace, with both team’s defenses active in negating any offensive attacks. However, just moments after Moria Sloan ’15 hit the post with five minutes left in the first half, Middlebury’s Claire Nishioka ’15 broke the deadlock. After a cross from the right side flank, Scarlett Kirk ’14 flicked the ball on for Nishioka to volley into the net.
After growing in confidence from the late goal, Middlebury played the second half mainly on Bates’s side, applying pressure with several give and go’s outside the 18-yard box. The patient build-up was rewarded in the 67th minute after Rachel Madding ’13 played a through ball for Kirk who slotted it home past the Bobcat keeper.
The Panthers wrapped up the scoring in the 88th minute when Middlebury was awarded a penalty kick after a foul by Bates goalkeeper Anabel Schmelz. Hannah Newman ’13 kept her nerve to drive the ball into the lower left corner.
Captain Lucy Wagner ’13 was encouraged by Saturday’s win.
“I’m very confident in the abilities of this team,” said Wagner. “Every player on the team has been very impactful in raising the level of practice and competition and in helping to keep our spirits high. We are still working to maintain control of games throughout the 90 minutes, and to continue to assert our style.”
The win against Bates capped off three consecutive wins in the space of a week. The Panthers recorded a 2-1 win against Trinity on Saturday, Oct. 13, followed by a dramatic 2-1 victory against Skidmore on Tuesday, Oct. 16.
Middlebury took the lead against Trinity in the 32nd minute after Carter Talgo ’15 fed Julia Favorito ’14, who then snuck a cross over Trinity goalie Monica DiFlori.
While the Bantams managed to sneak a goal back at the beginning of the second half, the two contributors to Middlebury’s first goal combined again. Favorito assisted Talgo in the 75th to finish the game at 2-1.
Against Skidmore, the Panthers made their mark on the game in the second minute, after Kirk chipped the ball over goalkeeper Gab Lawrence from 10 yards out.
Skidmore’s Kelsey Yam then leveled the score on a header off Michelle Finan’s corner.
Even though Middlebury had chances to pull ahead, the game was forced into double overtime. Kirk finally ended the game in the 102nd minute with a long-range strike into the right hand corner.
Kirk, with her three goals and an assist against Skidmore and Bates, received NESCAC Player of the Week honors.
Co-captain Amy Schlueter ’13 commented on her team’s confidence as they head towards the conference tournament.
“Bouncing back from our loss [against Conn. Coll.] with three straight wins is definitely a boost to our confidence as we head toward the playoffs,” said Schlueter. “Our team pulled out three scrappy victories against physical and hardworking opponents. Going into the next game and the final stretch of the season, we’re looking to combine that scrap with our possession-oriented attack.”
With the win against Bates, the Panthers will host a NESCAC quarterfinal home game, scheduled for this Saturday, October 27.
(10/10/12 11:56pm)
As a steady trickle of rain fell onto the soggy pitch, the Middlebury women’s soccer players, their socks caked in mud and shirts drenched, battled to a 1-0 win against Hamilton on Saturday, Oct. 6. Just a day later, however, on Sunday, Oct. 7, the Panthers’ undefeated season came to an end with a 1-0 loss on the road to Connecticut College.
On Saturday, Middlebury started off the stronger of the two sides and dominated possession. With build-up controlled by the center midfielders, especially Maddy Boston ’13, the Panthers offense gave Hamilton little respite with one surge after another.
The Continentals weathered the storm and eventually established themselves the game, resulting with a good chance for Alex Rimmer who placed her shot wide after a through ball in the 38th minute. Middlebury striker Scarlett Kirk ’14 had a similar opportunity in the 41st minute, knocking the ball wide during a one on one confrontation with the goalkeeper after muscling through a Hamilton defender.
Playing conditions were less than ideal, as many players struggled to keep their footing, resulting in several misplaced passes. However, Middlebury showed both their technical skill, by controlling a slippery and rapidly travelling ball, as well as their physical presence with strong slide tackling.
The Panthers made a breakthrough halfway through the second period off the foot of Amy Schlueter ’13. The co-captain found the back of the net from outside the 18-yard box with a powerful strike. The only goal of the game also brought Hamilton’s undefeated season to an end.
“We felt very confident after [the game against Hamilton], not just because we won but because we outplayed the team as well,” said Head Coach Peter Kim. “It was our biggest test so far and we proved that we could play.”
While the game against Hamilton proved to be a boost, Connecticut College brought the team back down to earth. Middlebury’s undefeated run came to an end on Sunday in a gruelling match against the Camels, during which the women conceded their second goal of the season in the defeat.
Astrid Kempainen of Conn. College made the difference with a 25-yard strike in the 35th minute, assisted by Alina Torres. The scoreline didn’t reflect the number of chances Middlebury had in the game, however, as the Panthers outshot Conn. College 20 to nine. Camel’s goalkeeper Natalie Signor was also forced to make three more saves than Middlebury goalkeepers Elizabeth Foody ’14 and Jocelyn Remmert ’13, who both saw action in the contest.
“The Connecticut game was a textbook example of what happens when you overlook a weaker opponent,” said co-captain Lucy Wagner ’13. “ While we all came into the match knowing that we needed to work hard to get the win, we allowed ourselves technical lapses that in the end we were punished for. We are committed to fixing the mistakes we made and I have no doubt we will come back better than ever to take on Trinity next weekend.”
The team faces the Bantams in Hartford this Saturday, Oct. 13, before returning home against Skidmore on Oct. 16.
(10/03/12 9:08pm)
Middlebury picked up a 2-1 away win on Saturday, Sept. 29 against Wesleyan to add to their undefeated tally. However, the Panthers were unable to continue their shut-out streak, ending a six game, 614:31 minute period without a goal conceded.
Middlebury started the game strongly, as Amy Schlueter ’13 squared the ball in the second minute for Claire Nishoika ’15, who precisely placed the ball from eight yards out in the left corner.
The Panthers continued their domination, adding another goal to their tally in the first period. Julia Favorito ’14 weaved through the defense before passing to Scarlett Kirk ’14, who placed the ball into the same part of the net as Nishoika did earlier. Kirk’s goal made her the Panther’s leading scorer of the season with three goals to her name.
The action of the first period concluded with Wesleyan’s only goal of the game, 20 seconds away from half time. After a scrappy contest in the 18-yard box, the referee awarded a free kick, 10 yards closer to the goal than the place the foul had occurred. Claire Ashforth ’15 diverted the free kick towads the net. After a series of deflections off Middlebury defenders and Wesleyan attackers alike, the ball finally landed in the back of Elizabeth Foody’s’14 net, an own goal.
“It obviously was disappointing to give up a goal, especially when it comes from something like a scrum in the box after a set piece,” Co-Captain Maddy Boston ’13 said. “However, these are important things for our team to learn and bounce back from.”
Despite the streak-ending tally, Foody continued to prove why she had earned NESCAC Player of the Week after the double header against Amherst and Bowdoin, coming up with important saves to deny Wesleyan the chance of an equalizer. Despite receiving the individual award, Foody was eager to sing the praises of the defenders in front of her.
“At that point we had not conceded a goal so it was nice recognition for our incredibly solid defense,” said Foody. “The entire backline really deserves that accolade.”
Wesleyan held an 8-5 shot advantage over Middlebury in the second half, marking the first time the Panthers have not out-shot their opponents. The Cardinals also had an 8-2 advantage in corner kicks overall.
Wesleyan gave the Panthers their first real physical challenge by pressing the team hard ,especially in the second half.
“The NESCAC is a direct, physical conference, and we need to be comfortable managing the flow of the game against highly aggressive opponents,” Coach Peter Kim said. “Wesleyan caused us some trouble and we lost our composure at times, but we recognize the moments when this happened and are better for it.”
The Panthers look to continue their perfect start on the road with a trip to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on Wednesday, Oct 3.
(09/26/12 11:57pm)
The Middlebury women’s soccer team, showing grit and determination, continued their undefeated start to the season with a 1-0 victory over Bowdoin on Saturday, Sept. 22. However, the Panthers weren’t able to build on Saturday’s result as they endured a frustrating 0-0 draw against Amherst on Sunday, Sept. 23.
In the Saturday game against Bowdoin, the match started slowly, as both sides negated the opposition’s attack and battled for possession. However, Middlebury soon grew into the game and managed five more shots on goal than the Polar Bears with linking forward play that utilized their wide players.
The Panthers started the second half comfortably dominating possession. Middlebury was able to create fast build-up play with neat, short passes. The breakthrough came for the team early after play resumed at the 51:41 mark, as the ball from Lucy Wagner’s ’14 laser-precise effort at a tight angle from the right corner took an unexpected flight path, leaving Bowdoin goalkeeper Bridget McCarthy helpless. The goal was Wagner’s first of her Middlebury career and the highlight of the double header, according to Coach Peter Kim.
Panthers goalkeeper Elizabeth Foody ’14 was never troubled by the Bowdoin attack, making comfortable saves and finishing with yet another shutout, bringing her season tally to five in five games.
The game also proved to be very physical, requiring the players to be strong with the ball as the teams committed a combined 18 fouls.
Though the Panthers entered the game with high confidence coming off the win over Bowdoin, Saturday, they were unable to make a breakthrough against Amherst in the 110-minute game on Sunday.
The Panthers applied pressure right from the outset, quickly breaking down Amherst’s forward play by limiting the player’s space on the ball. Middlebury also pushed the tempo, beating the Amherst defenders down the wings to create offensive chances.
However, despite the promising and patient build-up, the game left the Panthers wondering “what if?” after Scarlett Kirk ’14 hit the crossbar three times in the space of 53 minutes.
Her first effort came in the 10th minute as her shot hit the frame of the goal from outside the 18-yard box and the team was unable to capitalize on the rebound. In the second half Kirk hit the crossbar again, this time from close range after a pass from Rachel Madding ’13 in the 54th minute. Her hat trick of crossbar shots was completed in the 63rd minute from a free kick just outside the box.The lack of reward was a frustrating aspect of play over the weekend.
“Our offense is doing a great job, but we’re just missing the finishing product,” Kim said. Both teams’ goalkeepers put in good shifts as both Holly Burwick and Elizabeth Foody ’14 pulled off diving one-handed saves. Foody kept the Panthers in the game as Amherst finished the overtime periods the stronger of the two sides.
It was the first time this season that the Panthers were unable to find the back of the net and the first time since they drew 0-0 with Williams in the 2011 NESCAC Semifinals. However, despite the frustrated attack, the Panthers have yet to lose, and many of the team members felt that they played to the best of their abilities.
“We battled hard and we’re a little disappointed that the game ended in a tie,” said Maddy Boston ’13. “Our team is proud of the way everyone played and we look forward to meeting Amherst again later this season for a rematch.”
(09/19/12 11:15pm)
In front of a crowd of nearly 200 people, the Middlebury women's soccer team continued its strong start to the season with a 3-0 win at Colby on Saturday, Sept. 15, earning the team's first win on the road. The team's second road win followed shortly after, when the Panthers won a dramatic overtime game at Plattsburgh State, Tuesday Sept. 18.
Middlebury has laid down a strong foundation with four wins in four chances and has yet to allow a goal two weeks into the campaign.
In the Saturday game at Colby, the Panthers took an early lead in the first half with a long-range effort from Rachel Madding '13.
Dominating the Mules in the first half, the side continued to command the pitch when first-year Hannah Robinson '16 added to the scoring, with an assist from Julie Favoritio '14. Ali Ombsberg '15 then finished off the game on a high note with a goal in the final 10 minutes, guiding the ball into the back of the net off of a smooth corner kick from Scarlett Kirk '14.
Following the game, co-captain Amy Schlueter '13 was pleased by the contributions from younger players.
"We're very excited about how many different players have scored," Schlueter said. "We think it's a testament to the depth of our team this year."
Throughout the young season the Middlebury women have outshelled their opponents with overall shots, and a lopsided shot margin on Saturday again attested to the attacking prowess of the Panthers, who had 11 shots on goal to Colby's four.
While the offense again proved clinical in front of the goal, Middlebury's defense denied Colby any chance of a comeback, stifling the Mules' forward play and helping goalkeeper Elizabeth Foody '14 tally another clean sheet.
Foody then added another shutout, her fourth in four games this season, in the Panthers' 1-0 win over Plattsburgh on Tuesday.
For the first time this season Middlebury was held without a goal in regular time. In the 100th minute of play, however, at the stroke of the end of the first half of overtime, Kirk found the back of the net off a feed from Favorito, ending the game.
"We were frustrated during the game about our inability to finish and our chances," said co-captain Colby Gibbs '13, "but we persisted and never gave up, working through pouring rain and high winds."
The team is determined to remain focused and grounded despite its undefeated start.
"We're really happy with the way we've begun the season," said co-captain Maddy Boston '13. "We're not focusing on being undefeated as much as we are on improving our game and prioritizing shutouts."
Head coach Peter Kim echoed his captains' sentiments.
"We will continue to unfurl our playing style week by week, while making sure that the players get enough technical repetitions so that they can treat the ball properly throughout each match," Kim said. "Most importantly, we're just looking to enjoy the game."