Ramses Rubio '22 is on the road following the Mammoths as they seek a national championship and writing about his experience in Greensboro, North Carolina.

The Amherst College men's soccer team has once again reached the finals for the second consecutive season since the tournament was not held in 2020. The tension was palpable as the minutes counted down in the second overtime until Ignacio Cubeddu had an amazing volley from outside the box. The moment the ball sat up for Ignacio, the crowd held its breath and I knew he was gonna drill that far corner.

As soon as the goal was scored the entire fan section filled with alums, parents and current students ran to the edge of the stadium and started chanting, screaming and celebrating the night. 

Although the Amherst contingent was confident they would take home the win that night, University of Chicago played an excellent game and had their fair chances, especially in overtime. Senior goalkeeper Kofi Hope-Gund has had a tremendous tournament yet last night was a perfect example of his excellence in goal. He made a diving save late in the first half and another diving save on a close-range shot in the second overtime just a minute before Cubeddu's golden goal.

After the game, fans and players alike celebrated the win with some delicious burritos made and flown in by the family of first-year player Micah Valadez-Bush. While this was a great win, everyone from Amherst understood that we still need one more! 

Currently staying at an Airbnb only 10 minutes away from the stadium with a great contingent of former players, the energy is palpable as we are excited for the Mammoths' opportunity to bring another NCAA National Championship back home.