NORTHFIELD — The Middlebury College men’s soccer team debuted on Tuesday by blanking host Norwich, 2-0, in a non-league contest.
The Panthers will visit Wesleyan on Saturday in their first NESCAC game.
The Panthers scored a goal in each half and held the Cadets (2-1) without an official shot on goalie Ryan Grady, although Norwich hit the crossbar on a late penalty kick.
Middlebury got on the scoreboard first at 12:24 of the first half. Ben Potter and NU goalie Robert Wagenseller collided going after a cross. The ball deflected behind Wagenseller and Potter volleyed it into the left side of the net.
Middlebury’s Drew Goulart made it 2-0 in 70th minute. Noah Hannam settled a serve on the right side of the box and centered to Goulart, who buried a right-footed shot into the bottom left corner from 12 yards out.
Norwich’s Alex Brannan’s penalty kick hit the crossbar in the 79th minute.
Wagenseller made six saves for Norwich. The Panthers held advantages of 11-4 in shots and 4-2 in corner kicks.