Box Score MIDDLEBURY, VT. –– In an action-packed contest between two NESCAC juggernauts, Brady Foehl's crucial goal in the 82nd minute gave the Ephs the edge as they approach the NESCAC championship.
Both sides had no difficulty producing shots, with 16 each, making life busy for the Ephs' and Panthers' respective backlines. Working harder, however, was the referee, who tallied 34 total fouls between the opponents.
The Ephs started the game strong, pressing the home side in the midfield and controlling most of the possession. In the 23rd minute, Nathan Song's effort from the top of the box was blocked and eventually redirected toward Eamon Gara Grady, whose effort was parried out for a corner.
Defensively, the Ephs were quick to advance the ball out of their half, facing minimal pressure.
The second half produced more offensive action from both sides, as the Panthers registered 11 shots and the Ephs forced 4 saves out of Middlebury keeper Ryan Grady.
Credit to the Panthers, whose defense remained compact and well-organized until the final whistle, and whose Jordan Saint-Louis always looked like a goal threat.
As the clock ran down and fans grew keen for decisive action in the match, the Ephs answered. It all started when Cole Morriello, the Ephs' go-to man for long throw-ins, launched a ball into the box, where Nick Boardman headed it back to the patiently-positioned Brady Foehl, who picked out the left-corner, past the outstretched arms of the Middlebury netminder. Accordingly, Foehl rushed to celebrate the victory-confirming goal with his teammates who had cleared the bench.
Eph head coach Steffen Siebert remarked after the game, "Incredibly proud of our team and the work they have put in all season. On the road against a very talented #20 Middlebury is no easy task, but our guys were up for it! We created great opportunities from the start of the game. Really happy we were able to score one and remain undefeated on the road in the regular season! Excited for where this team can go- all focus ahead on our game this Saturday!"
The Ephs' victory today puts them ahead of Middlebury in the rankings, making them a second seed for the NESCAC tournament. The NESCAC Office will release the official NESCAC Tournament pairings soon.
The Ephs finish the season with a 4-1-5 NESCAC record, going 6-1-8 overall.
