Amherst, MA –– On a sunny afternoon clash between NESCAC rivals Williams and Amherst, the spotlight shone brightest on two remarkable Mammoth goals –– despite the Ephs' stout defense –– ultimately proving to be enough to push Amherst to a 2-1 victory.
One of the Ephs' better opportunities came in the 11th minute when keeper Ben Diffley, off of a free kick, sailed the ball into the box to Beck Walthers. After bringing it down with his head, Walthers' backpass fell to Griffin Labonski, whose volley narrowly rose over the crossbar.
As expected, both teams played physically in the first half however, the officials did well to maintain civility between both sides.
Amherst's first chance came off of a Niall Murphy long shot in the 15th minute, but was calmly saved by Epph goalie Ben Diffley.
The defensive effort was not limited to Diffley; a few minutes later, Henry Kirkman showcased his defensive prowess by successfully disrupting a 1-v-1 situation, effectively dispossessing a Mammoth, and clearing the ball up field.
Many were shocked that the Ephs weren't awarded a penalty in the 44th minute after Mohamed Keussom slipped past his defender before being shouldered in the box. The refs conferred and decided on a goal kick.
Unfortunately for the Ephs, Amherst's breakthrough came in the 64th minute when Ignacio Cubeddu curled an effort from a free-kick, catching Diffley off his line. Credit where credit is due, it was a phenomenal effort by Cubeddu.
As always, the Ephs bounced back and were unlucky not to equalize when, again, off of a Diffley free kick, the ball fell to Labonski, whose volley crept just over the crossbar for the second time of the match.
In the 76th minute, Amherst's Ada Okorogheye muscled through two Williams defenders before attempting an audacious chip that, even at full stretch, Diffley could not save.
Finally, in the 88th minute Mohammed Keussom curled a terrific ball into Labonski, who after his initial header was saved, tapped it in to cut down the deficit.
After the match, Eph head coach Steffen Siebert said, "Very proud of the team for the way they played against a good Amherst team. Looking forward to hosting Keene State on Cole Field on Tuesday!"
The Ephs face Keene State at home at 4:30, where they will look to build on a solid defensive performance and bounce back with a win.
