The Zebras traveled to Southborough, MA on a pristine Saturday afternoon to grapple with a talented St. Mark's squad in the opening fixture of the ISL boys' soccer season. 

The Middlesex back four were solid, and were led by 90 minute efforts from senior captain Sean Pensavalle and juniors Brian Powers and Logan Hallowell.  Man of the match honors for the shutout go to junior keeper Dan Carlson for two game-changing saves, one in each half.  The best save of the match came with just six minutes left on the clock as Carlson charged off of his line to snuff out a one-on-one chance with a sprawling save.  The best scoring chance for either side came just at the stroke of halftime.  Sean Pensavalle stepped up to intercept a pass along the right flank and launched a ball in the right channel to the on-rushing junior Jack Sullivan.  Sullivan brought the ball down with one deft touch, accelerated towards the byline and fizzed a ball back above the keeper to the onrushing sophomore Jivan Purutyan whose one touch finish floated just over the top right hand corner of the unprotected net. 

The second half saw a handful of quality scoring chances for Middlesex through the industry and creativity of junior Julian Bishop, freshman James Sanderson, senior captain Stevie Gleason, freshman Liam Sloan and sophomore Gavin Tasker.  The midfield was handily controlled by senior captain Teddy Rausch, junior Alex Rego, and junior Daniel Parnell.  It was a great overall effort but the final touch just didn't materialize and Middlesex went home feeling mixed emotions, as the disappointment of a missed opportunity to seize the three points was offset by the proud feeling of a solid and well-organized team performance