The Zebras came out very strong in the first half, with a team-oriented attack and a gritty defense which created turnovers on several Thayer scoring attempts. The Tigers struck first in a player-up situation just three minutes into the game, but the Zebras answered to tie it 1-1 when they returned to even play.  Scoring was hard to come by as both defensive units stopped the offensive rushes for the next three minutes. Thayer again took the lead at the 14 minute mark, but Middlesex answered with two tallies in less than a minute. Thayer notched the tying goal of the half in another player-up situation and the teams went into the second half 3-3, despite Middlesex playing with a player down for six minutes in the half.
 
The Zebras came out with a terrific assisted goal to open the second half and take the lead, but the team received a card and was forced to play a player-down for the remainder of the game. The team was determined to do their best while playing 6v7 in both the attacking and defensive end for more than half of a game.  Thayer tied the game quickly, but even with a player down, the Zebras remarkably answered and took the lead. Thayer scored two more times, but Middlesex notched another goal to keep the score at 6-7 after playing nearly 10 minutes of player-down. Offsetting yellow cards left Middlesex down two players for the remainder of the game. In a true test of athleticism and grit, the defense turned the Thayer offense away on several occasions with many caused turnovers, despite playing 5v7 at both ends. The attack was also able to hold the ball through several double teams and the draw team was relentless. Still, it is nearly impossible to hold back an offense, but the MX defense held the Thayer offense to only four goals in the last 10 minutes. Syd Cogliano was a star in the net today, holding her head high, keeping her cool, and making several saves despite the disadvantage for over half the game. 
 
Middlesex travels to Lawrence on Wednesday for another ISL match up.