The Middlesex girls' soccer team returned to the friendly confines of Chapel Field to take on perennial ISL powerhouse Noble & Greenough on Parents' Weekend Saturday. The weather was ideal for mid-season, and the many parents and friends were presented with a well-played game by both teams.
 
Middlesex were first on the scoreboard early on in the first half. There was a scramble for the ball in front of the Nobles goal, and Basha Waxman '21 was in the right spot to hammer the loose ball into the open net. 1-0 MX after 15 minutes.
 
Nobles continued to apply pressure to our back line, and the girls were able to hold Nobles at bay until the 22nd minute, when they broke through to knot the score at 1. Nobles played with a great sense of pace and urgency, and were rewarded in the 34th minute with another goal. The halftime whistle soon blew, and the scoreboard read: Middlesex 1, Nobles 3.
 
An upbeat halftime talk inspired the MXGVS players to keep working hard and pressing forward, despite the run of play against them. Nobles found the back of the net early in the second stanza to push the lead to 3, but the lady Zebras continued to demonstrate great persistence. In the 68th minute, Middlesex drew a penalty in the box, and Emma Murphy '19 cashed in the PK to make it 4-2. That score would remain until the final minute when, on a free kick from 35 yards out, Carly Tilson '20 hit an absolute laser beam that shattered the back of the net, bringing the final score to 4-3, Nobles.
 
Although saddled with the loss, goaltender Ali Joseph '20 had an outstanding game between the pipes, playing with great confidence and stifling many Nobles scoring chances. Great game Ali Jo!
 
Middlesex remain at home for a midweek battle against Rivers next week.
 
Thanks to the parents for their support and post-game snacks!