Middlebury scored the game's only goal 16:17 into the contest as the Panthers earned a 1-0 victory over Williams in the regular season finale for both teams. The Panthers earn the sixth seed in the upcoming NESCAC Tournament and will visit third-seeded Amherst in a 12:30 p.m. quarterfinal game on Sunday afternoon.
Middlebury struck somewhat early with a beautiful goal on a restart. Jake Edwards took the free kick from just outside the box on the corner of the 18. His left-footed hooking blast was redirected with a great header goal from Harrison Watkins to give the Panthers the 1-0 lead. The tally was the second of the season for Watkins, as Edwards earned his team-leading fourth assist.
Williams had a great chance to tie the game in the 34th minute, but Panther keeper Tim Cahill made a nice save on Nick Pugliese from close range. The game remained at 1-0 into the second half, where the Ephs had another opportunity, this one coming in the 74th minute. Pierre Meloty-Kapella gained some space and let a blast go from inside the box, but Cahill was there to make the save. The Panthers looked to gain some breathing room in the 80th minute, but Carson Cornbrooks' header on a Andrew Banadda cross went just wide.
Williams had one last chance in the final minute with a scramble in the Panther box, but Cahill was finally able to put his hands on the ball to end the threat.
Cahill ended the game with five saves to earn his fifth shutout of the season. Andrew Graham made four saves for Williams.
Williams (11-2-1, 6-2-1) vs. Middlebury (8-4-2, 4-3-2)
Date: Oct 30, 2009 Attendance: 225
Goals by period 1 2 Tot
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Williams............ 0 0 - 0
Middlebury.......... 1 0 - 1
SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 16:17 MIDMS Harrison Watkins (Jake Edwards)
Shots: Williams 8, Middlebury 8
Saves: Williams 4 (Andrew Graham 4), Middlebury 5 (Tim Cahill 5)
