On a rainy Saturday, the Jeffs faced a highly skilled Williams team in a rebuilding year, who came to Hitchcock Field just as eager to win. However, Williams was clearly unable to keep up Amherst's pace of play as they were dominated by the Jeffs on the field. Amherst played arguably some of its best soccer of the season, maintaining its level of play in the less-than-favorable weather conditions, blanking the Ephs 3-0 for the first time in four years. The Jeffs extended their current win streak to five games and improved their league record to 5-3, tying them with Trinity College for third place in the NESCAC standings.
"I can't remember a game where every player who stepped on the field played so well and with so much dedication," said senior co-captain Carlo Valdesolo.
Amherst came out strong offensively in the first half, creating 13 corner kick opportunities, but was unable to convert despite a few dangerous chances and the game remained scoreless at the break. However, less than a minute into the second stanza, the Jeffs got on board when senior midfielder Pat Garvey rocketed a shot that was redirected into the net by Franklin Perry '04 for the first goal of the contest.
Only 10 minutes later, Amherst struck again when Valdesolo sent a ball into the box that was put in by midfielder Jeff Cantwell '04. Although Williams created a few more opportunities, freshman goaltender Greg Lockwood remained strong in net for Amherst, finishing with six saves on the day. The Jeffs added on a final insurance goal in the 88th minute, when forward Joaquin Walker '05 took a feed from midfielder Chris Kane '03 and fired the ball into the upper left corner to seal the Amherst victory.
"This win over Williams was a true team victory," said co-captain Roger Boulay '03 of the Jeffs win. "We were able to stifle the most potent offense in the league while consistently slicing through their defense. We controlled the play for most of the game and minimized the Williams counterattack. I feel like we have really come together and are playing well. We have peaked at exactly the right time and the rest of the NESCAC better watch out."
The Jeffs have two more games left in the regular season, as they take on non-league foe Wheaton College on Wednesday and NESCAC foe Trinity College this coming Saturday.