2022 ISL Match Report
Date:  9/24/22
Home Team:             Middlesex                 
Away Team:              St. Mark's
Score (H-A):             1-0
Goals (Assists)-        Home:            #7 Jonah Zaas (8', Assist #11 Lincoln Graham)   
                                    Away:             NONE
Goalkeeping-             Home:            Aidan George (90', 0 GA)
                                    Away:            Matthew Parry (90', 1 GA)
Cardings-                   Home:             #21 Teddy Fritzinger (64', Yellow)
                                    Away:             #6 Sebbie Johnson (65', Yellow)
                                                            #5 Jonathan Balzarini (72', Yellow)
Notes:            
            Middlesex hosted St. Mark's for the second night game in a row under the lights in Concord.  The hosts got off to a flying start when Lincoln Graham checked back in the center circle to receive and play Jonah Zaas down the flank in the 8^th minute.  Zaas cut back on the retreating center back along the byline and roofed the ball at the near post for an emphatic 1-0 lead for Middlesex.  The rest of the half saw Middlesex control the ball for significant periods while working to snuff out the long counterattacking balls to their lone striker.  St. Mark's Alden Mehta threatened in the first half with a volley on frame after a first touch off his chest from 20+ yards, but keeper Aidan George handled the shot cleanly.  The size and strength of Ryan Taylor and Munene Muindi clogged up the midfield and sprung numbers forward for St. Mark's.  They grew into the game more in the second half and pumped several balls into the Middlesex penalty area from long set pieces and long throw ins.  Middlesex's Yared McDonald had a great goal disallowed in the second half and the backline leadership of Aidan O'Sullivan and Zach Miles helped to see the clean sheet into the books with some solid defending and patient possession of the ball.  Bear Tibbitt was outstanding in controlling play and circulating the ball for the Zebras.  Credit goes to St. Mark's for the deep lying shape that gave very little space in their own half while conceding the lion's share of the possession and looking dangerous on set pieces and counterattacks.  In the end, Zaas's early finish was enough to see the three points secured for Middlesex, but just barely.  Up next is a trip to the ISL Showcase in Lancaster against a tough Tabor Academy team next Wednesday.