MIDDLEBURY — The Middlebury College men’s soccer team split two games as it wrapped up its regular season, including a win on Tuesday in what could be retiring Coach David Saward’s last home game.
The Panthers, 10-5 overall and 5-5 in NESCAC play, will open league tournament play on the road on Saturday. Their opponent was determined by action on Wednesday after the deadline for this edition of the Independent.
On Tuesday the Panthers edged visiting rival Williams, 1-0, as Drew Goulart scored in the first half and goalie Jeremy Yeager made four saves for his eighth shutout of the fall. Williams dropped to 8-3-4, 3-4-4 in NESCAC play on a rainy and windy day.
Williams had a good look in the 23rd minute, but Yeager knocked away Nick Ranieri’s 30-yard free kick.
Goulart scored at 26:18 of the first half. Eph keeper Bobby Schneiderman blocked Ben Potter’s 30-yard shot and Goulart knocked home the rebound.
Early in the second half Yeager stopped the Ephs’ best chances, diving to deny Bobby Fabricant’s 15-yard shot, and on the ensuing corner kick snaring Liam Bardong’s header.
Williams had a 7-6 shots advantage after being outshot by 4-0 in the first half. Schneiderman made three saves for Williams.
On Saturday host Bates (7-5-2, 2-5-2) defeated the Panthers, 3-0. The Bobcats scored on an early penalty kick, added another on a corner kick before the break, both from  PJ DiBenedetto, and added a pad goal from Nate Merchant on a second-half throw-in. Yeager made five saves, and Bates goalie Robbie Montanaro made one stop.