The Zebras opened their season against a big school rival, Deerfield Academy.  On a typical rainy spring day, the skies cleared as Middlesex took the field with just a few practices under their belt.  While the Zebras got on the board first with two goals in the first six minutes, Deerfield went on a run, scoring five unanswered goals to take a 5-2 lead with 10:04 remaining on the clock.  The Deerfield goalie made several key saves to keep the Middlesex attack at bay.  Middlesex fought back, bringing the score to a tight 6-5 at the half in Deerfield's favor.  Middlesex made a few adjustments at halftime, but more importantly, the team brought a new level of grit and fire to the draw.  The team controlled much of the possession in the second half, scoring five unanswered goals to take a 10-6 lead.  Deerfield refused to fold as they continued creeping back into the game, bringing the score to within one goal with 10:28 remaining.  The Zebras answered 36 seconds later to regain a two goal lead.  Deerfield would post one more goal in the game, but the Zebras held on with poised play from both the defensive and offensive ends to preserve the win.  Middlesex looks forward to a full week and a half of work to prepare for intense ISL league play, opening with St. Paul's on Wednesday, April 13th.