After a series of recent losses, the Jeffs are trying to get back on their feet and start putting wins on the scoreboard. "Past games have been disappointing," said Tri-captain Adrian Talbott '02. "At a time like this we need to regroup and just win the rest of our games."
Although most of the season has been marred by inconsistency, the defense has been consistently strong. "The defense has been very strong in our ball possession," said Talbott. "The clear weak spot has been finishing, putting the ball in the goal." Freshman standout Andrew Syfu, Mike York '04 and Roger Boulay '03 have stepped up to lead the defense after serious injuries left the Jeffs three starters short.
The offense also has had some standouts. "I would have to say Carlo [Valdesolo '03] has had to pick it up, which he definitely has," said Brad Coffey '04. "He is playing really well right now." Valdesolo has played center midfield as well as forward, adjusting positions to suit the needs of the Jeffs.
On Monday, the Jeffs lost at home to the nation's ninth-ranked team, Wheaton College. Tri-captain Casey Ryan '02 gave his team an early lead when he converted a penalty kick. A.J. Korytoski '04 then tacked onto the lead by converting a pass from Ryan. Although it seemed as though the Jeffs had clinched the lead and were on their way to winning the game, the direction changed after halftime and the Crusaders retaliated with two to tie up the game. Amherst had a good chance to strike back when Jeff Cantwell '04 took possession of the ball and was about to have a breakaway towards the goal. But he was called offsides in a controversial call, turning the ball over to Wheaton. In the fourth minute of overtime, Wheaton's Matt Mancini headed in a pass from teammate Jason Percy to win the game, 3-2.
The Jeffs started off the fall season with a spectacular four-game winning streak. Their first win was against NESCAC opponent Colby College with a final score of 2-1. In their first home game of the season, Amherst shut out visiting Bates College 1-0. But Talbott wasn't completely satisfied with their performance. "We were beaten to the ball by a team that wasn't as talented as us," he said. "But this is what first games are about."
In their next game, the Jeffs won 3-1 against Babson College, while showing that they had indeed learned from their mistakes. Tim Canon '04, Valdesolo and Chris Kane '03 each contributed to this win. Later that week, Amherst put another mark in the win column, shutting out Conn College 3-0. The Jeffs' offense tried to come up with more, making a total of 19 shots on goal, while the defense also worked hard, holding their opponents to four shots on goal.
The Jumbos of Tufts University handed the Jeffs their first loss of the season, winning 1-0 in double overtime. This game was a defensive masterpiece. The ball was generally kept in the midfield as both teams tried to move it down the field.
Amherst's next few games were a testament to their offensive struggles. Facing Bowdoin College, the Jeffs outshot the Polar Bears 15-3, but none of these attempts resulted in a goal. During the game Tri-captain Ryan Goodband '02 broke his cheekbone, taking him out of the game and off the field for the rest of the season. During mid-semester break, men's soccer battled Middlebury College. Again, the Jeffs went into double overtime, but had to settle for a 1-1 tie. This game was marked by numerous injuries again, as Coffey, Dave Michener '02 and York each suffered injuries. Coffey and Michener were lost for the season. Despite these losses, there was hope for the Jeffs, as they won their next game against Western New England College, 3-2. Vivian Johnson '04 knocked in the first two goals, assisted by Franklin Perry '04 and Valdesolo respectively, and Cantwell blasted the game-winner.
In the biggest game of the season, Amherst fell to long-time rival Williams College, despite leading the game in the first half. After Jeff midfielder Chris Kane '03 scored the only Amherst goal, Eph star Alex Blake came back with two goals to lead Williams.
The Jeffs are coming off a game against Keene State College on Thursday and will play Wesleyan in one of the last games of their regular season. For the past two years, the Jeffs have lost to the Cardinals 2-1 in overtime. This year, they plan to change things around, hopefully winning the last few games of the season. "We need to finish the season off strong by putting them away," said Talbott. "We need to turn things around. Hopefully we can get it done this weekend."