Posted by Katie Peverada
Skidmore College women's soccer team didn't get a victory on Wednesday night, but with a 0-0 tie against Middlebury College they moved to 7-0-2, keeping their undefeated streak intact.
Skidmore attacked Middlebury's half of the field from the first whistle, but they struggled to finish their chances near the goal.
Arena Manning '16 created several opportunities for Skidmore throughout the first half with her speed, as she was often able to turn off the ball and outrace the Middlebury defenders.
About seven minutes in, Manning overpowered some Middlebury defenders near the top of the box before being taken down, but the resulting kick was sent over the crossbar. Two minutes later Manning again put pressure on the Panthers when she received an excellent through-ball on the right side but slid the shot past the right post.
The Thoroughbred defense continued its strong run - they haven't conceded a goal since Sept. 7 - as there were several moments throughout the game where they stymied the Panthers' attack.
With about ten minutes left in the first half Middlebury was able to create a few opportunities, but Skidmore was able to shut them down before they became dangerous. Jenna Spooner '14 and Elizabeth Schaeffer '17 were able to shut down a Middlebury striker who had broken through into the box and a minute later Schaeffer again was able to deny a Panther who tried to cut into the box off of the left wing.
The second half produced much of the same, with both goalies being called upon to make a huge save for their teams.
Skidmore's best chance of the game came in the 62 minute, but Middlebury goalkeeper Elizabeth Foody made a spectacular diving save. Amidst a scuffle of bodies near the six, a result of a restart, Nicole Lorusso '17 was able to control the ball and shoot to the right side of the net. Foody, though, saw the shot all the way and was able to dive to her right and knock the ball off to the side.
Middlebury answered 15 minutes later when Scarlett Kirk got in behind the Skidmore back line and was fed by Moria Sloan in close on net. Kirk tried to go to the low left, but Gab Lawrence '14 came up with a huge quick-reaction save, shooting out her left foot to stop the ball.
Skidmore had another chance with about five minutes remaining when Manning tried to find Jen Wardyga '14 by splitting two Panther defenders but sent it just a bit too far.
Neither team was able to produce much offensively in either overtime, as both managed to get off just one shot.
Lawrence, who earned her sixth-straight shutout, stopped seven of 15 Skidmore shots. Foody stopped six of 10 Thoroughbred shots.
The Thoroughbreds will look to continue their unbeaten streak at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at home against Bard College.