It’s not everyday that a team finds itself ahead of the number-one team in the nation with just over a minute left in regulation play. The women’s soccer team found itself in exactly that position last Saturday, as they took on top-ranked Williams College in its final home game of the regular season. Unfortunately, the Jeffs had to settle for a tie, as Williams managed to score a fluke goal in the 89th minute of the match.
“I think we were a little disappointed with the tie when we knew we could beat them and came a minute away from doing so,” said defender Mary Marvel ’09 of the result. “Overall, I think we played a great game. I know the next time we play Williams we will get the outcome that we were looking for on Saturday.”
From the first whistle, the Lord Jeffs played with intensity and focus. They challenged and tested Williams all over the field. Their effort soon paid off, as midfielder Jackie Hirsch ’11 converted on a cross, needing just two touches: one to control the ball and one to slam it into the back of the net to score. The game remained 1-0 as the opening half ended and the squads took their break.
The second period began much as the first: with energy and determination on the face of every player. But it soon became apparent which was the dominant team, and it wasn’t Williams. The Jeffs controlled the pitch. Their passing was virtually flawless, and they won nearly every 50-50 ball.
“We exposed all of Williams’ weaknesses, won all of our challenges, out-hustled every one of their players, and overall, we are a better and more skilled team,” said Hirsch. “Williams had no idea that we were ready to battle. Everyone on our team was on the same page—we will NOT lose to Williams, and we will do whatever it takes to get us there.”
Everything was going according to plan until disaster struck. With almost no time left on the clock, the Ephs were able to tie up the game. Amherst first-year goaltender Allie Horwitz was unable to field a rolling ball cleanly, which allowed Williams’ Gabrielle Woodson to knock the ball into the net to tie the score.
The Amherst squad looked disheartened as it prepared for overtime—not a good sign when you’re playing the top team in the nation. The players were able to shake off their disappointment, but the Jeffs didn’t look quite as sharp in the two extra periods. Though each team had some chances, neither could convert, and the game ended in a 1-1 tie. Despite a frustrating result, the Jeffs were proud of the way they played and recognize that after every game there will be something they could have done better.
“We just needed to capitalize on every opportunity,” noted Hirsch. “Sometimes the ball takes a bad bounce, or you just get unlucky, but if we had finished some of those chances, we would have won that game 4-0.”
Amherst returns to action this Saturday at Trinity College in its last game of the regular season. The Jeffs have secured second place in the NESCAC. However, if the team beats Trinity and Williams loses to Middlebury, Amherst would be in first place. As hard as the Jeffs are going to be hoping for a Williams loss on Saturday, though, they know it will only matter if they hold up their side of the bargain; to do so, they must do their best to come away from Trinity victorious.