The Middlesex Girls' Soccer team traveled up Route 495 to Andover to face the Big Blue of Phillips Academy on a picture-perfect September afternoon. Andover applied pressure immediately from the opening kickoff, and they seemed to be a step quicker in getting to the ball. Yet our defensive line of goalkeeper Grace Bishop '24, Charley DiAdamo '23, Abby Murphy '23, Jane Barton '23, and Piper Morris '24 kept Andover's offensive threats at bay. Middlesex created some occasional counterattacks, but the Andover goalkeeper was up to the challenge. Andover finally pushed through in the last minute of the half to take a 1-0 lead at the break.

Middlesex responded well to open the second half, closing down space and connecting passes offensively, creating a more sustained threat on Andover's defense. Some great scoring chances fell by the wayside, unfortunately, and Andover's relentless pressure resulted in a few more goals in the final twenty minutes of play, with the final result being a 4-0 victory for the home team.

Middlesex returns to Chapel Field Friday night as they open their ISL competition with a home game against St. Mark's under the lights! It should be a wonderful atmosphere. Kickoff is slated for 6:30.