Box Score NORTHFIELD, Vt. – Freshman Staige Davis (Shelburne, Vt.) scored in the second half, but it wasn't enough as the Norwich University men's soccer team fell 3-1 to intrastate-rival Middlebury College on Wednesday night in non-conference action.
After a scoreless 40 minutes, Middlebury (1-0-0) scored twice in the last five minutes of the second half to take a 2-0 lead into the halftime break.
Middlebury sophomore forward Ben Potter scored twice to lead the Panthers' offense in their 12th straight victory over Norwich. Middlebury improved to 52-3-4 all-time vs. Norwich.
Potter opened the scoring in the 41st minute heading home a free-kick service from the left side of the field by Daniel O'Grady.
Shams Mohajerani extended the lead to 2-0 with 50 seconds left in the half with a beautiful turn around shot from 40 yards out. With her back to the goal, Mohajerani turned on a dime to his left and curled a long shot into the top right corner of the net leaving NU junior goalkeeper Brendan Germano (Monroe Township, N.J) no chance.
Norwich cut the deficit to 2-1 in the 54th minute with Davis potting a crossing pass from Camilo Estrada (Pawtucket, R.I.) that pin balled around in the box. The goal was Davis' team-leading second of the season.
Middlebury capped the scoring in the 75th minute with Potter notching his second goal of the game.
Germano made six saves for Norwich in the loss. Yeagar made one save on two shots on goal.
Middlebury outshot Norwich 23-6. However, the Cadets were an even 6-6 in the second half with the Panthers.
Norwich will look to get back on track when it starts its Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) season vs. Rivier University at 7:30 p.m. on Sabine Field at Haynes Family Stadium.
