MEN'S SOCCER

NORTHFIELD, Vt. - Having reeled off eight straight victories, the Norwich men's soccer team will put its 9-1-0 record on the line this Wednesday afternoon when the Cadets welcome arch-rival Middlebury to Howard Field for a 3 p.m. match.

Norwich's fast start has gained attention nationally, as the Cadets are among those receiving votes in the New England NSCAA Top 10 rankings for the first time since 2000. Additionally, NU is currently ranked fourth in New England by D3kicks.com, and the Cadets are receiving votes in D3kick.com's national Top 25.

Middlebury, who enters Wednesday's tilt with an unblemished record of 6-0-0, is ranked 10th nationally by NSCAA, and list third in New England according to D3kicks.com. The Panthers, who shut out Norwich 5-0 last year, have only allowed one goal all season.

Norwich head coach Kyle Dezotell, who is a 2003 Middlebury graduate, has the Cadets playing very well of late. The second-year mentor believes that his team is poised for tomorrow's tussle.

"We are very excited about our match against Middlebury," said Dezotell. "As a non-conference game, the result is not that important, but we are really looking forward to seeing whether or not we have raised our play to match the elite level of teams like Middlebury and Plattsburgh earlier in the season.

"Middlebury is a fantastic team, and have gotten off to a great start so we certainly will have our hands full," added Dezotell. "We are really excited to see how we match up with them."

After defeating Emmanuel last Saturday, Norwich is a perfect 4-0-0 in GNAC play, and Dezotell knows that the match versus Middlebury could help propel the Cadets as they continue their conference slate this weekend with a key contest at Johnson & Wales.

"Both teams have weekend conference matches, which could determine home-field advantage for the playoffs, so I think whichever team comes out on top tomorrow will carry a lot of momentum into the weekend," said Dezotell.

Norwich's offense, which is averaging more than 3.5 goals per game, has been led by junior forwards Rob Harlow and Drew Dilley. Harlow, whose goal last weekend vaulted him into the top spot on NU's all-time goals scored list, has registered 20 points (six goals, eight assists) so far in 2007.

Dilley, meanwhile, leads the squad in goals (10) and points (21). Freshman Ryan Boyton has stepped right in and made an immediate offensively, as the first-year player lists third on the team in goals (five) and points (14).

Senior goaltender Jake Pagragan has been solid in goal for Norwich, posting a 9-1-0 record and three shutouts so far this season. He has allowed just eight goals, and sports a tidy 0.85 goals-against average.