MIDDLEBURY — The host Middlebury College men’s soccer team and NESCAC rival Amherst settled for a 1-1 tie on Sunday in the Panthers’ opener. Both squads scored late goals — after the Panthers took the lead with 10 minutes left in regulation, the Jeffs equalized with 20 seconds to go.
Amherst, ranked No. 9 in NCAA Division III, is 1-0-1. The 0-0-1 Panthers were set to host Norwich on Wednesday and will visit league foe Connecticut on Saturday.
Amherst had the first good chance. Jae Heo had a good look for the Jeffs in the 27th minute, but Panther goalie Greg Sydor (seven saves) turned aside his shot from inside the box.
Middlebury thought it had taken the lead late in the first half, but a goal was waved off due to a handball infraction. After taking a feed from Enzo Wiener, Greg Conrad drove to the box and worked around a defender before his blast went in off the hand of a teammate.
Amherst keeper Thomas Bull (six saves) made a big stop early in the second half, and Amherst’s Greg Singer just missed with a header set up by a Heo cross.
Middlebury could not take advantage of a pair of corner kicks a minute later, but cashed in at 80:25. A lengthy throw from the right sideline by Tim Ogle bounced in the goalmouth and deflecting in off an Amherst defender who was trying to clear the ball.
With time ticking down, a throw-in from the left side found its way into the box. Milton Rico headed it into the center of the box, and Gabriel Wirtz blasted a one-time shot out of the air and into the right side of the net to knot the game.
Middlebury had the best look in the extra sessions, but Bull denied a blast from Noah Goss-Woliner that deflected off a defender.
Amherst held a 13-11 shots advantage, while Middlebury earned a 4-2 edge in corner kicks.