Middlebury earned its sixth shutout in nine games as they improved to 8-1 with a 2-0 win over Bowdoin (6-3). The Panthers have now allowed just five goals this season and will return to action when they host Williams on Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
A scoreless first half saw each team with three shots and few scoring opportunities. Bowdoin had a quality chance to score in the 41st minute as Nick Figueiredo fed Tim Prior in the middle. His header caromed off the cross bar to Justin Ito-Adler, who had his shot saved by Middlebury's Brian Bush.
Middlebury put some pressure on five minutes into the second half with several scoring chances. Casey Ftorek had a shot blocked in the 55th minute, with the rebound coming right to his feet as he blasted a shot just wide. Bowdoin answered with a chance on its next possession, as Dominic Fitzpatrick just missed high from 10 yards out.
The Panthers finally broke up the scoreless battle as Ftorek broke through at 74:51. Andrew Banadda fed the ball to Ftorek, who beat Bowdoin keeper Dan Hicks, before taking two quick steps and ripping a left-footed shot into an open net.
Middlebury added some much-needed insurance at 84:11 as Brandon Jackson scored on a penalty kick with a blast to the right side.
Bush ended the day with three saves to earn his fifth shutout of the season, while Hicks made two stops for the Polar Bears.
Date: October 9, 2007
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Site: Middlebury, Vt.
TEAM 1 2 OT OT F
Bowdoin (6-3) 0 0 - - 0
Middlebury (8-1) 0 2 - - 2
SCORING SUMMARY
M-2nd (74:51) - Casey Ftorek (Andrew Banadda)
M-2nd (84:11) - Jackson (penalty kick)
GOALKEEPING SUMMARY
Brian Bush-M (90 min., 3 saves, 0 GA)
Dan Hicks-B (90 min., 2 saves, 2 GA)
