Middlebury defeated Tufts 13-8 at Tufts today.  While it cannot be
considered a "complete" game it had its moments.  Tufts is doing a good job
of making the most of solid talent and a solid goalie by holding the ball on
offense and mixing some zone with man to slow the game on defense.  The
offensive strategy had its moments early in the game and the lead was only
4-3 early.  We settled in to a nice rhythm for the remainder of the half and
went into halftime up 9-4.  The third quarter resembled Union somewhat in
that we did not get cocky or quit but we did lose focus and intensity when
they went into their slow down offense.  Most of our possessions resulted in
quick turnovers as the attack became impatient and our movement on offense
stopped.  We regrouped in the fourth, scoring three more goals before
subbing when the game was in hand.  So, a good solid win, not really
reflected in the score, if somewhat uninspired.  Matt Dunn had three nice
goals and Junior Peter Albro had 2 stepping into the second midfield line
for the first time since early in the season.  Peter also had 2 goals in the
Amherst game when we popped him in with the second line for a few runs. 

An interesting note about the game for the guys who played in the early
90's.  If you guys remember the weave type offense we ran with the double
stacks on the pipes, one guy up top and another in X, that was the Tufts
offense.  They were much more deliberate and almost stalling many times
(they did receive one stalling warning).  It brings back the memories that
it can be a difficult offense to defend.  There is no crease, so the usual
slides are taken away, and we do not have any take away defensemen, so they
were able to control the ball. 

Saturday we play against Bowdoin.  They play as hard as always and will
present the biggest challenge we have seen since Springfield.  They were
beaten soundly by Springfield as we were, and several other scores are
comparable, so it looks like a great match up.  They have a big gun in Alex
Ellis, #19, and solid depth around him. 

The dinner Saturday is at 6:00pm in Pepin Gymnasium. The Alumni Game Sunday
will be played at 11:00am on Kohn Field which is Astroturf, as will our game
against Bowdoin Saturday.  Our guys will be available in the locker room by
10:15 to loan out equipment if you need it, however, you will need to
provide your own shorts, t-shirts, socks, etc.  Tomorrow I will email a list
of alumni who will be attending this weekend, please check to see if we have
made any mistakes.  Anyone is still welcome to attend, the March 15 date we
had set was simply so we would have an idea of how many might attend.

Please contact me with any questions you might have about the weekend.

Erin