This past week, the men's soccer team posted two more wins, bringing its record to a promising 4-0. Shutting out both of their opponents and scoring a combined eight goals, the Jeffs demonstrated solid offensive and defensive teamwork. Although it's still early in the season, Amherst's performance this past week only serves to further solidify its place as one of the preeminent programs in the NESCAC.

Last Thursday, in the first of their two games, the Jeffs took on non-conference opponent Curry College. The match carried with it a special significance, as it marked the christening of Gooding Field, the newly constructed turf field. The Jeffs entered the game with a stalwart attitude, viewing the contest as an opportunity to honor the field's namesake, an opportunity that will be formalized with the field's dedication on Sept. 29 in a match against Bowdoin College. The game was especially significant because it was the first game under the lights. It drew a healthy crowd of spectators.

As evidenced by the men's commanding 5-0 victory, the Jeffs dominated play with relentless offense and defense throughout the match. With goals from forwards Jake Duker '09, Taylor Downs '08, Ian Rothkopf '11 and defenders Rory O'Connor '09 and Chris Linsmayer '11, the team drew offense from all parts of the field. Of note were the debut goals of first-years Linsmayer and Rothkopf, as well as O'Connor, who, as a center-back, more often finds himself stopping goals than scoring them.

Head Coach Justin Serpone has much to be pleased with, as two of the goals came on set pieces: one on a corner (O'Connor's), and another on a free-kick (Rothkopf's). In fact, all but one of the goals were taken out of the air on either a header or a volley, testifying to the Jeffs' technical abilities and all-around voracity. As the best-attended game of the season thus far, the match served to introduce the talented squad to Amherst's student body. The Jeffs carried with them the confidence of a 3-0 record when they traveled to Bates College on Saturday. Leaving Friday evening for the four-hour bus ride and overnight stay in Lewiston, Me., the Jeffs seemed to manage the stress of the long voyage with veteran ease. The intra-conference match was physical, as is to be expected of any NESCAC soccer competition, with a total of 26 fouls and five yellow card warnings. The Jeffs, however, were unfazed, and shutout the Bobcats 3-0 on their home field.

The goals were scored by a seasoned trio: one each from tri-captains John Kneeland and Downs, and the third from senior Kevin Dolan. The Jeffs asserted their mastery of set-pieces with both Kneeland and Downs' goals coming on beautiful volleyed and headed restart balls. This sort of dominance is a coach's dream, as set pieces in soccer are among the most opportune plays in the sport. Dolan possessed similar wizardry as well, scoring just four minutes into the match. With unrivaled technical prowess, he gathered an airborne pass and ripped a shot from outer rim of the penalty box into the upper corner of the net, adding to what is shaping up to be a very promising season for the senior player.

At the end of four matches the Jeffs stand undefeated. Outscoring their opponents 12-2, the Jeffs have shown that they are very capable of producing a memorable season. As of now, everything seems to be lining up perfectly. They are drawing great leadership from their captains, scoring an average of five goals each game, and are seeing many incredible contributions from the newcomers on the team. As the Jeffs' next game does not come until this Saturday, the team has plenty of time to work out any kinks they have developed thus far, and simply to perfect their game.