Amherst stuns defending national champs

Author: Kevin Carpenter

In somewhat dispiriting fashion, the men's soccer team fell 2-0 to Amherst in the NESCAC Championship this past Sunday, Nov. 9. The Amherst win gives the Lord Jeffs their first NESCAC championship in four appearances and guarantees the team an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. Middlebury, on the strength of its regular season record, received an at-large bid to the D-III NCAA tournament.

A day prior to the Amherst defeat, the Panthers collided with a familiar Williams squad on the FieldTurf. Middlebury had taken on the Ephs just eight days prior, snatching a 1-0 victory in Williamstown, Mass. In Middlebury, a crowd of nearly 500 braved the adverse weather to witness an exciting 1-0 victory for the home team.

"I think the Williams game overall was a hard-working performance all over the pitch," said keeper Brian Bush '09. "The work rate was exceptional and it helped us pressure them and create chances."

After a first half of dominant possession, Middlebury capitalized in the 37th minute as Brooks Farrar '11 struck with a header off a corner from tri-captain Baer Fisher '09.

Despite some golden chances for the Panthers, the Ephs were in control for much of the second half, but a solid Middlebury defense and the quick hands of Bush fended off all attack.

"Nolan Lincoln did exceptionally well filling in when Jake [Edwards] went down injured," said Bush. "He has been very solid all season and was the foundation of a great team performance against Williams."

The win for Middlebury on Saturday led the team to the finals on Sunday. The Panthers are no strangers to the NESCAC championship, having played in it five times prior to this year. Middlebury bested Amherst 1-0 in the two teams' first meeting this season, but the Lord Jeffs came out in fighting form for the finals and defeated the Panthers 2-0.

Despite consistent pressure from Amherst, Middlebury created chances through the midfield and facilitated movement with runs by Fisher, playing defense this game.

But Amherst came out of the gates 15 minutes in with an early goal. Nick Lynch of Amherst crossed a ball from the end-line with pace to the foot of Jake Duker as he struck in his thirteenth of the season. Just three minutes later, Amherst forward Jae Heo tapped in a deflection off the post to put his squad up 2-0.

Despite the deficit, the Middlebury defense proved tough and sturdy despite suffering injuries to Colin Nangle '10, Jake Edwards '11 and Harrison Watkins '11. Nangle and Watkins are day-to-day with knee injuries while Edwards suffered a broken collarbone and will be out for the remainder of the season.

"Colin, Jake and Harrison were big losses for our back, particularly because of how well they all play offensively," said Bush. "However, I cannot say enough about the way that Nolan and Otis stepped in. We didn't miss a beat as a team and they both turned in very strong performances."

After the second goal, the Panthers were determined to control the rest of the game and maintained possession for much of the remaining time. But it proved hard to match the determination and fervor of Amherst.

Juniors Micah Wood '10 and Stephen Hart '10 gave stellar efforts as substitutes up front. Despite their hustle, the Panthers never seemed able to connect for that final shot. Even during a three-minute span with five corners and a free kick, Middlebury could not capitalize.

"Amherst played very tough defensively, and while we were able to possess the ball for the majority of the last 60 minutes of the game, it was difficult to create quality opportunities," said Bush. "They were very big and strong in the air, which made it much harder on our midfield."

Although the loss was a clear disappointment, the Panthers are still knocking on the door of national success. Middlebury will host a regional match in the NCAA tournament Saturday, Nov. 15 against Framingham State. Framingham State comes into the match 16-3-1.