MIDDLEBURY, Vt. – The Connecticut College women's soccer team headed back on the road, falling to No. 9 Middlebury 5-0 on Saturday from the Allan Dragone Track and Field Complex.
Middlebury started on the front foot with strong possession in the opening minutes, but Conn's defense was sharp early. The Camels recorded the first shot attempt of the contest at 10:36, but Lucy Hurlbut (Westport, Conn.) had her shot blocked.
The Panthers struck first however, as Mia Feldman was able to put a low cross to the front of the goal that Fiona Linnau was able to poke home to make it 1-0 at 13:40. Middlebury remained on the front foot, putting another shot on target three minutes later, but this time Maia Kafer (Philadelphia, Pa.) came up with the save.
Conn responded with the next two shots, but Hurlbut had another effort that was blocked and one that went high. The Panthers nearly doubled the advantage with 15 minutes left in the half, but Kafer came up with a great save to deflect a shot onto the crossbar. Kafer came up with one more critical save in the dying seconds of the half, as Conn trailed 1-0 after one.
Middlebury doubled the advantage just a minute and a half into the second half, as Tanya McClennan was played in on goal, and fired home to make it 2-0. The lead was extended five minutes later, as the Panthers capitalized on a free kick just outside of the Conn box to make it 3-0.
The Camels tried to get back into the game, but Middlebury tacked on two more goals to come away with the 5-0 win.
Middlebury outshot Conn 14-11 overall, and 11-3 on shots on target, while the Panthers held a 4-2 edge on corner kicks.
Kafer got the start in goal, finishing with five saves in 81 minutes, before Saylor Redfearn (Middletown, R.I.) finished the game in net making one save. Hurlbut led the Camels attack with seven shots and one on target.
Frankie Marston picked up the win in goal, making three saves. Noelle Mallory paced Middlebury with one goal and one assist, while six other Panthers recorded at least one point.
Conn returns to action next Saturday as the Camels travel to Medford, Mass. to take on No. 4 Tufts at 12:00 p.m.
