Lee

Watts

MIDDLEBURY, Vt. -- The Bates College men's soccer team beat its second undefeated opponent this week Saturday at Middlebury, ending the host Panthers' 18-game unbeaten streak with a 1-0 win.

The Bobcats (7-5, 2-5 NESCAC) scored the game's only goal at 84:39 as sophomore Dae Ro Lee (Yongin, South Korea) struck a beautiful corner kick that arced around Middlebury keeper Brian Bush and into the far side of the net. The Panthers had a last second flurry, but Baer Fisher's shot after a loose ball in the penalty area was went just wide.

The loss is the first for the Panthers (8-1-1, 5-1-1), currently ranked No. 3 in Division III and No. 1 in New England, since a 2-1 double overtime loss at Keene State on Oct. 23, 2007, while they suffer their first shutout loss since a 2-0 decision to Keene State on Oct. 25, 2006. It is also the team's first defeat on their Field Turf surface installed last fall, as they were 14-0-1 entering Saturday's contest.

Earlier this week Bates won 3-0 at MIT, dropping the host Engineers to 12-1-1.

Despite holding a 9-5 advantage in shots, the Panthers were unable to find the back of the net. Allen Bourdon had a nice chance to score in the 41st minute, but his shot from 30 yards out sailed just inches outside the left post. Robbie Redmond threatened for Middlebury in the 70th minute as his blast from 25 yards away was punched out by Bates first-year keeper Greg Watts (West Chester, Pa.), who notched his fourth shutout this season. Bush made three stops for the Panthers.

Bates will host Wesleyan next Saturday during Homecoming Weekend, with a 2 p.m. start.

STATS: Bates 1, No. 3 Middlebury 0