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MSOC Neumann 111624
1
Neumann NEUMANN (10-7-4)
3
Winner Amherst AMHERST (12-2-3)
Neumann NEUMANN
(10-7-4)
1
Final
3
Amherst AMHERST
(12-2-3)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Neumann NEUMANN 0 1 1
Amherst AMHERST 1 2 3

Game Recap: Men's Soccer |

Three goals gives #8 Amherst 3-1 win over Neumann in NCAA Tournament First Round

AMHERST, MA — On Hitchcock Field on Saturday morning, the #8 Amherst College men's soccer team began its campaign in the 2024 NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Tournament. Looking to improve on their runner-up finish last year, the Mammoths played their first round match versus the Nuemann University Knights. They won with a score of 3-1 thanks to goals from seniors Ben Clark-Eden and and Niall Murphy, and first-year Obed Opoku. 

GAME HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Amherst dominated the early stages of the game, earning a well-deserved lead after 35 minutes. The breakthrough came from a corner on the right, delivered expertly by first-year Mohammed Nuhu. His high ball into the box found senior Simon Kalinauskus, who rose to meet it with a strong header. Senior Fynn Hayton-Ruffner then guided the ball down, perfectly setting up Ben Clark-Eden to unleash a powerful volley into the back of the net, marking his first goal of the season. The first half concluded with Amherst leading 1-0.
  • The Mammoths carried their momentum into the second half, and their persistence paid off with a second goal. The ball landed at the feet of Niall Murphy, who struck a stunning first-time volley with the outside of his right boot. From range, the ball curled exquisitely into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper no chance.
  • Neumann responded with a dangerous opportunity to narrow the deficit. With 34 minutes remaining, Jake Kuzmick's shot from inside the box went wide, serving as a reminder to Amherst that their opponents were still in the fight. Amherst, however, reacted decisively just six minutes later, scoring their third goal through Obed Opoku. Senior Aidan Curtis dazzled with skillful dribbling down the left wing, drawing daefenders toward him before slipping the ball to Opoku. With composure, Opoku nudged the ball into a shooting position and fired confidently into the far corner.
  • Neumann found a lifeline with a penalty awarded against Amherst for a handball. Hunter Rolles stepped up and, with a unique no-run-up technique, calmly slotted the ball to the left of senior goalkeeper Max Landa, netting his first goal of the season.
  • Although the final 27 minutes produced no further goals, the action remained lively. Junior Ioannis Hadjiyiannis attempted an audacious bicycle kick with 13 minutes left, narrowly missing what could have been the Mammoths' goal of the season. Ultimately, Amherst maintained their two-goal cushion and comfortably secured the victory. The Mammoths confidently advance to the next round of the tournament as one of the favorites.
BY THE NUMBERS: 
  • Amherst had 17 shots (8 on goal); Neumann had 6 (3 on goal).
  • Amherst collected 3 yellow cards, Neumann were given 2.
UP NEXT:
  • Amherst now holds a 12-2-3 overall record (7-2-2 versus NESCAC opposition).
  • Up next: Amherst's first-round win progresses them to the next round tomorrow. They will take on the winner of the Muhlenberg College Mules and the Stevens Institute of Technology Ducks. 
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