Middlesex traveled to Milton for an epic clash in boys' soccer on a beautiful Saturday in late September.  The reigning ISL and Class A New England champions were fired up for the contest and pressed immediately to try and open the scoring.  After an adjustment to match up with their back three system, Middlesex sorted the loose marks and proved to be tight and competitive defensively.  Will McCarthy thwarted Milton's best scoring effort in the first half by standing strong near the goal line and absorbing a thunderous shot in his chest.  Middlesex came the closest to scoring in the first half from a free kick.  Bryan Mayhew '26 hit a wonder strike from 30+ yards that whipped over the Milton wall and struck the underside of the crossbar in the top corner.  Unfortunately, the ball ricocheted down onto the goal line and out.  Less than an inch lower off of the crossbar and the scoring would have opened, but as the goal finished shaking it was clear that the ball was not over the line.  The first 20 minutes of the second half was back and forth, with keeper Noah Browne '27 doing an excellent job of gathering long balls served into the box and hitting some massive distribution.  Middlesex took the 1-0 lead with 25 minutes left to play, as co-captain Olly Mylon '25 slipped Baze Kalisa '26 in on the right side of the box.  Kalisa held off his retreating defender and beat the onrushing Davis Kahn to slot the ball into the back of the net, much to the delight of the traveling crowd.  The lead lasted only four minutes, as Middlesex was whistled for a foul just outside of their penalty area.  In the confusion that ensued the call, Alejandro Palacio calmly curled the ball into the open side of the net with his left.  The goal stood and the match was tied 1-1.  Milton showed their quality and experience in the closing stages, as Alfred Debah scored a magnificent individual effort to claim the victory for the home side.  In the end, Middlesex left with their heads held high as they had stood toe to toe with a talented, physical and athletic Milton team. Co-captain Bear Tibbitt '25, Quinn Falvey '26, and Will McCarthy '28 were outstanding in defense, along with Browne '27 in net.  For Milton, Benzan, Partal, Debah, and Palacio showed their best.  It was a thrilling match with both sides competing at the top level and representing their schools with class.