ARBOLEDA NETS A PAIR AS MIDDLESEX MENS SOCCER TIES WITH MONTGOMERY CC 2-2

Juan Arboleda scored two goals and Jhan Paul Hidalgo registered five saves as Middlesex College gained a 2-2 tie with Montgomery CC, currently the second place team in Region XIX.

Montgomery (10-1-2) jumped in front of the Colts early on a goal just 4:46 into play. The game remained 1-0 into the half, but Middlesex (7-5-1) came out of the break strong.

The Colts finally broke through and tied the game on first Arboleda's goal, his third of the season, in the 61^st minute. The freshman midfielder gave Middlesex a 2-1 lead less than three minutes later and the Colts hung tough for most of the second half from there.

However, after Middlesex received a red card, forcing them to play at a man disadvantage, Montgomery CC scored the tying goal with less than ten minutes left. Neither team was able to score in the closing minutes as the contest ended with a 2-2 tie.

The tie could prove crucial in the seeding for the Region XIX playoffs as both Middlesex and Montgomery had clinched spots in the postseason before this game. Montgomery is presently one of three teams in Region XIX with just one loss as they are vying for one of the top seeds.

At 7-5-1, Middlesex is in a cluster of teams just below those at the top of the table. With games remaining against Sussex CC and Ocean CC, another team with just one loss, the Colts have an opportunity to make one final push to move forward in the seedings.

Middlesex is scheduled to take on Sussex CC on the road on Saturday with kickoff set for 12:00PM.