The Middlebury men's soccer team saw its quest for the program's second trip to the NCAA Semifinals come to an end, as the Panthers dropped a 1-0 decision at #19 Amherst (16-2-2) on Sunday. Middlebury, who carried play for the entire second half, capped another successful season with a mark of 13-5-3.

Middlebury had a quality opportunity in the 13th minute with Ben Powers setting up Brandon Reid on the left side of the Mammoth restraining box. Reid fired a low shot that Amherst goalie Kofi Hope-Gund stopped and covered before Brendan Barry could get a foot on the rebound.

Panther keeper Ryan Grady made his best save of the half with 18:20 remaining, robbing the Mammoths on a 2-on-1. Ada Okorogheye had a clear shot from the left side that Grady kicked out with his foot and the loose ball was quickly cleared by the Middlebury defense. Grady later made a leaping stop on a rising bid from Jonny Novak.

The hosts broke the scoreless tie with 1:43 left before the break, as German Giammattei collected a long pass, beat a defender before sliding a low shot into the net for a 1-0 lead.

In the second frame, the visitors threatened early with a pair of chances from Jordan Saint-Louis. The first came on a quick kick from close range that Hope-Gund steered over the net and Saint-Louis took the ensuing corner kick, but the Amherst defense held its ground.

The Panthers continued to press for the equalizer and came close to pulling even in the 61st minute. Reid fired a shot from deep in the right side of the area that Hope-Gund thwarted.

Middlebury remained on the attack with 20 minutes left in regulation, as Andrew Juarez found a free ball at the top of the Mammoth box and directed a low show just wide of the left post. Juarez had another bid later on, blistering a shot from outside of the box that Hope-Gund punched away. Middlebury finished the final 45 minutes taking all eight shots, but were unable to solve Hope-Gund, keeping the score 1-0 at the final horn.

The Panthers held a 14-12 edge in shots with Hope-Gund making nine saves, while Grady had five stops for Middlebury. The Panthers also held a 9-3 advantage in corner kicks.

This marked the third time these programs have met in the NCAA Tournament and the first occasion a winner has been determined. The teams tied in both the 1995 and 1997 tournaments and both of those matchups came in the first round.