The Middlesex boys' soccer team rode the wave of energy from the supportive home crowd to enjoy an excellent first half performance.  Senior captain Jack Lousararian was first on the board with a surging run into the right side of the box for a crisp back-post finish and a 1-0 lead.  Freshman Cole Swanson stepped up next, as he took a feed from Anyolo Makatiani and buried a first time hit to double the lead in the 26^th minute.  With about 90 seconds to go until halftime Josh Quirk made a goal out of very little, as he gathered a loose clearance and found some daylight to take a finishing touch over the keeper for a 3-0 halftime lead. 

    In the second half Rivers applied increasing pressure for spells, but the junior trio in the backline, consisting of Justin D'Alessandro, Justin Krayer, and Zack Goorno, won numerous balls and limited the chances to score.  Goalkeeper Michael Webber and midfielder John Cadwalader really stood out for Rivers.  Huge credit goes to the boys from Rivers, who had an excellent season in a very competitive league.  Special congratulations go to Rivers head coach Bob Pipe who is retiring from the head coach position after 20 years at the helm, and winning over 200 games along with the ISL and NEPSAC championships.  He is a great example of the leadership and passion of the coaches in the ISL, and his influence on the Rivers soccer program will endure for generations to come.
           
    Next up for Middlesex is a trip to the NEPSAC Semifinals on Saturday.  The opponent and location will be determined shortly, but the boys will be ready to continue what has been a fantastic season for Middlesex boys' soccer.  The win increases the overall record to 13-1-4, and the shutout is the 12^th of the season for goalkeepers Kenyon Pelletier and Alfonso De Vito.