LANCASTER, Pa. -- Franklin & Marshall conceded a goal in each half of play in a 2-0 loss to Middlebury in the NCAA Men's Soccer Championship Second Round at Tylus Field on Sunday afternoon. The Diplomats' (15-4-1) season ends after another impressive season in Lancaster, while the Panthers (12-4-3) advance to play the winner between John Carroll and Johns Hopkins in the Sweet 16.

It was a slow opening for both sides, as midfield play dominated the opening 15 minutes. Christian Avila Neres nearly broke through with F&M's best chance of the half, sliding his attempt just wide of goal in the 16th minute. The momentum would be short lived, as Middlebury started firing off chances, with two shots just 40 seconds apart required Sam Altman Farrell to rise to the occasion.

The Panthers took a 1-0 lead off some solid passing in the 30th minute. F&M nearly answered back in the 37th, but Kane Feudtner's headed attempt off a corner was directed right at the Middlebury backstop.

Middlebury wasted little time getting on the board again after the halftime break, as a combination play down the left flank was whipped in to an unmarked midfielder for the 2-0 lead. The Panthers refused to sit back, holding court in the offensive end for much of the remainder of the half, putting Farrell to the test on multiple occasions.

F&M had quality chances to cut into the Panther lead in the second half. A 66th minute attempt from Steven Yakita from distance nearly halved the deficit, but it clanged off the crossbar and out. Feudtner again had a go off a corner kick, but nodded his attempt wide in the 82nd. Then an 88th minute penalty kick by A.J. Kopacz required a diving stop to keep out.

The Diplomats were outshot 18-10 (only two on frame), despite holding a dominant 9-1 edge in corners. Kopacz led the way with three shots.

Sam Altman Farrell (14-4-1) recorded nine saves for F&M.