On Wednesday, the men's squad traveled to out-of-conference rival MIT. Co-captains Mike Wohl '07 and Robert Madden '07 paired up to tally the lone goal for the Jeffs. It was the only goal necessary as the Jeffs completely dominated play, holding MIT to a total of three shots. The Jeffs out-shot the engineers 26-3, a credit to the relentlessness of the offense, and more importantly a measure of just how hard the men's team works throughout the pitch. Their hard work has earned them the distinction of being the second stingiest defense in the conference, only allowing a total of three goals on the season.
On Saturday, Amherst played its third NESCAC game of the season against Tufts. The Jumbos struggled early this year, but as history has shown there are no walkovers in the NESCAC. Last year, the Jeffs traveled to Tufts with a superior record (3-1-1 to the Jumbos' 2-3-1) and were blanked 2-0. Amherst was determined not to allow for such a letdown this year, and on Saturday the Jeffs got their revenge with their own home 2-0 blanking of the Jumbos.
Grayson Holland '09 played outstanding defense in support of an equally dominating performance by goalie Jeff Grover '09. "The Tufts game was a great battle. A more fitting final score would have been 6-1, but a NES-
CAC shutout is very hard to come by," said Wohl. Wohl's suggestion of a more lopsided goal count was a credit to both the increased fluidity of the offense, and to the ferocity of the Jumbos. Defender John Kneeland '08 struck in the 33rd minute. His persistence paid off as he rebounded his own shot to net the game-winning goal. Forward Nicholas Lynch '09 created an own goal caused by a Tufts defender for the insurance tally.
In a hard-fought battle with Salve Regina on Sunday, the men's squad dominated play, outshooting the Seahawks 29-8. Wohl scored the game's first goal off an assist by forward Jacob Duker '09, whose effort has earned him the distinction as the fourth leading playmaker in the NESCAC. Despite their dominant play, and the one goal lead, the Jeffs were forced into overtime after the Seahawks tied the game at a goal apiece 65 minutes into the match. Wohl gave Amherst the victory, as he was assisted by Lynch. Lynch is currently tied for third in assists in the conference.
Moe Zeidan '08E made his first ever varsity start on Sunday. He did not disappoint. Despite allowing one goal, he played a stellar game, tallying seven saves.
Junior defender Taylor Downs, a regular starter, was hurt in the game on Sunday when he collided with a Seahawk player, leaving Downs with a broken jaw and a concussion. With the injury, Downs joins fellow juniors midfielder Joe Martinez (foot injury) and defender Tim Grose (continued hamsting trouble) on the sidelines. Because of the injuries, the Jeffs has looked to the bench to fill the void. This week was an incredible confidence booster for the men's squad. As backup goalie, Zeidan proved his metal, solidifying an important position, and Kneeland was welcomed back into the offensive flow.
The three-game week proved to be an exercise in endurance and focus. With the three wins including two shutouts, the Jeffs proved that they are deserving of the NESCAC lead.
NESCAC Notes
The Little Three is currently dominating the NES-
CAC standings. Amherst and Wesleyan University have three conference wins and Williams College has two. With three perfect records there is a three-way tie for first. Bowdoin and Middlebury Colleges follow closely with only one conference loss each.