A goal with 24 seconds remaining sealed a 3-1 win for Middlebury (2-0-0, 1-0-0) over Wesleyan in the NESCAC opener for both teams on South Street Field. The Panthers return to action on Tuesday when they host Plattsburgh at 4:00 p.m., while the Cardinals (1-1-0, 0-1-0) visit Tufts on the same day with a 7:00 p.m. kickoff.

The game got off to a fast and furious start with a pair of goals in the opening 1:23. Wesleyan struck first when Christopher Textor settled the ball with a one touch after a scramble, before finding the bottom right corner of the net from eight yards out.

The hosts responded 14 seconds later when Aiden Pape headed in a corner kick from Jordan Saint-Louis to knot the game at 1-1. The goal was the first of his career.

Middlebury struck again just before the half, converting another corner kick opportunity. Eujin Chae served a ball that Ben Powers headed to the far side, as it deflected off the post and into the back of the net for the 2-1 edge.

In the second half, the Panthers had a chance to increase their lead, but a shot from Jonah Roberts sailed high after a nice feed in transition from Andrew Juarez in the 68th minute.

The Cardinals nearly tied the game in the final minutes, but a blast from Dane Harmaty was tipped over the crossbar by Panther keeper Ryan Grady.

Middlebury put the game away with 24 ticks on the clock when Saint-Louis made a pair of nice moves in transition before feeding Brandon Reed at the 18. Reid found himself with a great angle, as his shot to the far post made it a 3-1 final.

Wesleyan held a slim edge in shots (12-9) and corner kicks (6-4) in the contest. Grady made three saves to earn the win, while Liam Devanny made one stop for the Cardinals.