It seems logical to attribute Amherst's success to new Head Coach Justin Serpone, as the team, especially the starting lineup, is composed largely of returners. While talent undoubtably existed on the squad before this season, it has flourished beyond expectation under Serpone's guidance. Whatever his approach may be, it certainly seems to be working.
Most recently, the Jeffs hosted non-conference opponent Salve Regina University this past Sunday. Amherst scored five minutes into the match and never looked back, taking a 3-0 lead into halftime and finishing the game with the same tally. Midfielder Rob Denious '10 scored first off a cross by tri-captain midfielder John Kneeland '08. Minutes later, defender Grayson Holland '09 scored again, also assisted by Kneeland. Just before the half ended, the Jeffs knocked home another off the foot of midfielder Jon Pryor '08, setting the score at 3-0 and concluding a period in which Amherst outshot Salve Regina 14-0.
Amherst was equally dominant defensively in the second half, holding the visitors to a total of zero shots on goal. The Jeffs were unable to add to their lead, but three goals were more than enough to secure the win.
This victory came on the heels of a more impressive performance-a 6-1 Amherst victory over the Colby College White Mules. The Jeffs dominated the game from start to finish, with six different players scoring Jeffs' six goals. Tri-captain forward Taylor Downs '08, Kneeland, and forwards Jake Duker '09, Nick Lynch '09, and Ryan Conti '11 and Ian Rothkopf '11 all added their offensive talents, propelling the Jeffs to a lopsided win.
Looking back, Amherst's match against Middlebury College was perhaps the most important game of the season thus far. This is not to say that any of their preceding matches were any less integral to their success on the whole, but as the only other team in the NESCAC with an undefeated record, Middlebury loomed as the most indicative trial of the Jeffs' ability as a team. On a hot and hazy day during Fall Break in front of hoards of fans, the men triumphed over Middlebury, and did so definitively by a final score of 3-1.
It did not take long for Amherst to demonstrate its intent to win. In the early minutes of the game, Downs and Duker mustered a flurry of scoring chances. The Jeffs dominated play unequivocally, but just couldn't seem to put one by Panther keeper Brian Bush. This changed at the 11-minute mark when Lynch hit at low-driven ball that connected with Holland. Soon after, Middlebury was awarded a penalty kick for a foul committed in the box. In a moment that very well may have determined the course of the match, Middlebury's Brandon Jackson stepped up to hit a solid shot, only to have it be stopped by Amherst keeper Jeff Grover '09. With this brilliant save, the momentum shifted drastically back to the Jeffs' favor. Capitalizing on the exuberance following Grover's effort, Amherst scored again when Downs followed in a shot by Duker to clean up on the bobbled rebound. Going into the half, Amherst had a solid 2-0 lead.
The Jeffs sought to carry this momentum into the second half, knowing the Panthers would undoubtedly emerge with renewed energy. The Jeffs were up to the task. Instead of conceding a goal, which might be expected given the false comfort of a 2-0 lead, they put another home.
In a moment of sheer brilliance, Downs struck a bent ball past an outstretched Middlebury keeper into the far upper corner of the net for his second goal of the game. With the lead at 3-0, well into the second half, the game seemed complete. And, except for a Middlebury goal late in the game, it was.
It was a hard fought battle by both teams, but, in the end, Amherst's superior talent and determination shined through. With the win over Middlebury and the two victories last weekend, the Jeffs have only further solidified their leading position in the NESCAC and impressive national ranking.