The Middlesex boys' varsity soccer team finished the 2013 campaign in fine style, with a fantastic second half performance that led to a comprehensive 3-0 victory over their traditional rivals from Newport, Rhode Island.  There was a lot to play for on the final match day, as both teams were tied for points in the league table.  The victory for Middlesex pushed them ahead of rivals St. George's, Brooks, and Roxbury Latin in the final ISL standings. 

The match was brimming with intensity in the opening period, as seniors Jon Luke Tittmann, Stevie Gleason, Sean Pensavalle, and Teddy Rausch all started their final match in a Middlesex jersey.  True to form, junior keeper Dan Carlson was the early hero, as he made an amazing fingertip save at the far post in the 30^th minute.  His centerback pairing of Brian Powers and Logan Hallowell were active ball winners throughout the 90 minutes and together they earned Middlesex's sixth shutout of the season. 

After going into the halftime break knotted at 0-0, it took just five minutes for sophomore Gavin Tasker to break the deadlock.  The play began with an example of excellent work rate from junior Alex Rego, who ran hard from the middle to win a challenge along the touchline with the St. George's left back and play the ball down the line to Pensavalle.  The senior captain whipped an inch-perfect cross into the heart of the box for Tasker to thump home with his head from eight yards out.  It was the first time that the Middlesex attackers were able to elude the defensive efforts of St. George's Philip Young, who was very strong on the day.  Then in the 57^th minute, Tasker was the beneficiary of a ball that was handled in the penalty area, and he dispatched his penalty with precision and aplomb for the 2-0 lead.  With some breathing room in the last half hour it was a team effort to hold on, as the entire team saw time on the field to contribute.The icing on the cake came in the 90^th minute, as two of the senior captains combined to finish the scoring.  Pensavalle earned his second assist on the day, and seventh of the season, when he struck a corner kick directly to the penalty spot for Teddy Rausch to head home to the delight of the home crowd.

It was a hard-fought match with an exceptional effort in the second half that led to the win for Middlesex. The shutout meant that Middlesex finished the 15 match ISL season allowing just 15 goals, with 11 matches seeing them allow zero or one goal.  The competitive drive of the team had earned its just rewards with the three second-half goals, but the essence of the team was its: positive spirit, organized team concept, and willingness to pass and play the ball along the ground to feet.  With the two goals, sophomore Gavin Tasker finished the season as the team's joint top scorer along with freshman James Sanderson.  The seniors will be missed, but the future looks bright for the returning boys at Middlesex.