The Middlebury men's soccer team saw its eight-match unbeaten streak to start the season end as the 14th-ranked Panthers fell to visiting Tufts 2-0 on Saturday. The Jumbos scored both goals in the opening seven minutes of the contest. Middlebury (6-1-2, 3-1-2) plays a non-conference road match Wednesday against Castleton at 7:00 p.m., while Tufts (5-3-2, 3-1-2) returns to action next Saturday at Connecticut College.

The Jumbos claimed the lead less than a minute into the match when Jackson Najjar touched in a direct kick by Kevin Halliday from the left side with only 59 seconds expired.

The visitors increased the lead to 2-0 at the 6:19 mark when Zachary Trevorrow collected a loose ball in the Middlebury penalty area following a corner kick. Once he gained possession, Trevorrow turned on the ball and tucked into the upper third of the net.

The Panthers had an opportunity to get on the scoreboard midway through the opening half with Drew Goulart initiating the play. From the left side of the penalty area, the Panther placed a cross in front of the Jumbo net that Tim Ogle got a foot on, but goalkeeper Scott Greenwood made the save. Greenwood was unable to control the rebound and Adam Glaser pounced on the second chance, only to be denied by the Tufts goalie on a diving stop.

In the second half, the hosts had a bid to get on the scoreboard in the 53rd minute when Jeremy Barovick passed to Greg Conrad in the middle of the penalty area, but his shot was ripped wide.

The Jumbos produced the final scoring chance of the game in the 83rd minute on a shot by Joseph Braun from close range, but he lifted it over the crossbar.

Goalkeeper Greg Sydor recorded a season-high seven saves for Middlebury, while Greenwood posted five for the Jumbos. Each team finished with 12 shots and the Panthers held a 9-5 advantage in corner kicks.