Middlebury advanced to the NCAA sectionals after a convincing 5-0 win over Wheaton in a second-round game in Vermont. The Panthers will find out their opponent and site of next weekend's sectional late on Sunday. Middlebury (15-2-1) improves on its school-record with its 15th win and 13th shutout of the season, while Wheaton ends the year at 13-7-2. The Panthers are now 9-0 at home in '07 with just one goal allowed.
Middlebury dominated the game from start to finish, out-shooting their opponent 31-6 on the day. Casey Ftorek opened the scoring, as he took a centering pass from Colin Nangle and blasted a one-timer into the right side of the net just 4:21 into the contest.
Ftorek struck again at 19:12 after Brandon Jackson won an impressive battle with a defender. Jackson then quickly slid a crossing pass to Ftorek who banged it home from eight yards out. The Panthers had four other quality scoring chances in the first half, entering the intermission with a 2-0 lead.
Ftorek earned his hat-trick just 2:46 into the second half after a free kick. Alex Elias' shot hit the Wheaton wall and then bounced around loose in the penalty area. Ftorek got a foot on the ball for a shot, which was partially saved by Wheaton's Cole Davidson before it went over his head and into the net.
The lead grew to 4-0 at the 58:34 mark as Jackson drove along the goal line before taking a tough angle shot that was finished by David LaRocca.
Jake Edwards ended the scoring at 71:17, as he scored from close-range after a feed from Baer Fisher.
Brian Bush was forced to make only one save in goal, earning his ninth shutout of the season. Despite giving up five goals, Davidson was impressive for the Lyons, ending the day with nine saves.
Ftorek's three goals give him 15 on the season, tying Middlebury's single-season record held by Michael Walker in '92.
Date: November 10, 2007
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Site: Middlebury, Vt.
TEAM 1 2 OT OT F
Wheaton (13-7-3) 0 0 - - 0
Middlebury (15-2-1) 2 3 - - 5
SCORING SUMMARY
M-1st (4:21) - Casey Ftorek (Colin Nangle)
M-1st (19:12) - Ftorek (Brandon Jackson)
M-2nd (47:46) - Ftorek
M-2nd (58:34) - David LaRocca (Jackson)
M-2nd (71:17) - Jake Edwards (Baer Fisher)
GOALKEEPING SUMMARY
Brian Bush-M (90 min., 1 saves, 0 GA)
Cole Davidson-W (90 min., 9 save, 5 GA)
