After much anticipation, the long-awaited start of the regular season arrived for the men's soccer team. Despite high expectations, the Jeffs suffered a tough loss to NESCAC foe Tufts University at home on Saturday. Although Amherst had control of the ball and dominated Tufts for most of the early part of the game, they were unable to hold an early 1-0 lead and eventually lost to the Jumbos by a score of 3-1.

Amherst had a few key opportunities early on in the game as both Tim Canon '04 and Franklin Perry '04 had headers on net that were saved by Tufts goalkeeper Scott Conroy. The Jeffs finally got on the board 17 minutes into the first half, as forward Joe Gannon '06 picked up his first assist on a crossed ball into the box which found senior midfielder Chris Kane '03. Kane easily sailed the ball into the back of the net for the team's first goal of the short season.

However, Amherst's lead would not last very long. Only two minutes after Kane's goal, Tufts answered back with a goal of their own on a corner kick. Jumbo senior Matt MacGregor curled a ball into the box, which unfortunately deflected off an Amherst defender into the net, knotting the score at one apiece. The Jeffs were stung once again 20 minutes later as the Jumbos took the lead on a goal by midfielder Mike Guigli. Guigli ripped a shot from outside the box, which was first deflected by Amherst freshman goalkeeper Greg Lockwood and then driven home on the rebound by junior Mike Blea. Lockwood made a few big saves on the day, but could not stop Blea's second chance opportunity.

"We had our opportunities early on in the game, but we were unable to capitalize on them, allowing [Tufts] to get back in the game," said senior captain Patrick Garvey. "We were unable to regain the momentum."

Blea's goal would prove to be the eventual game winner as Amherst could not find the goal for the rest of the game. Although Amherst maintained much of the possession in the second half, the Jeffs had few opportunities on net. Conroy was solid in Tufts' net, making eight saves for the Jumbos. For the Jeffs, Lockwood looked impressive in his collegiate debut, stopping seven shots on goal.

Senior captain Roger Boulay '03 was noted as playing exceptional defense for Amherst in the backfield, helping to shut down much of Tufts' offensive opportunities.

However, as the Jeffs remained down a goal at the end of the game and were pressuring hard on offense, a turnover on transition allowed Tufts to add an insurance tally at the end of regulation and make the final score 3-1.

Although it was a difficult way to begin the season, Amherst is coming out of their defeat with a positive outlook.

"We need to remember it, but not dwell on it," said captain Carlo Valdesolo '03. The Jeffs plan to rebuild from their mistakes on Saturday and be well prepared for their next match-up against non-league foe Keene State on Thursday at 4:00 p.m.