A first half of dominant possession and quality scoring chances that went unrewarded came back to haunt the Middlesex varsity boys on a perfect Saturday in October for soccer. A solid first half in the net by junior Zach Suazo was needed, as Brooks dangerous left-sided midfielder Alex Chaban tested him on two occasions. Numerous scoring chances were created by the Middlesex attack, but without the proper finish the half ended 0-0. The Brooks 3-5-2 system resulted in a flurry of 30-50 yard long balls that eventually caused problems for the Middlesex backline. However, the first goal came from a floated free kick from the halfway line that found its way, untouched, into the net in the 62nd minute. A clearance in the 82nd minute led to a defensive breakdown and an unimpeded path to goal for a 2-0 deficit.

In the 89th minute, sophomore Nick Buonanno capitalized on some indecision by the Brooks defenders and after two deft touches, he played senior Gavin Tasker into space on the left side. Tasker slotted an inch-perfect pass to the front foot of senior Matt Rhinelander at the top of the box. Noticing the covering defender in front of him, Rhinelander slid the ball to junior Reed Foster for the open finish to make it 2-1. Brooks hoofed the ensuing kickoff into the far corner, where Middlesex gave it back to them with no one in the net to complete a disappointing 3-1 score line.  Man of the match honors for Middlesex went to senior captain Jivan Purutyan, who was excellent on both sides of the ball throughout the contest. Had the finishing touches been better to complete the quality passing moves in the first half, the story might have been much different. 

It's back to work on Monday on the training ground with a focus to improve and come together while viewing this result as an opportunity for the young squad to learn and grow.