AMHERST, MA — The #1 Amherst College men's soccer team, and the defending national champions,  opened up their 2025-2026 season with an away game against the Suffolk University Rams at the Sartori Stadium. After a competitive game, both teams kept a clean sheet and tied at 0-0.

"It's good to start the season with a shutout. I thought we did a lot of good things tonight, and thought some guys played really well in their opportunities," Amherst head coach Justin Serpone said. "Suffolk is a NCAA team with a really good coach and really good players so it should come as no surprise they were ready to compete tonight. They will be tough to beat this season."

GAME HIGHLIGHTS:

• 22 minutes into the game, Vincent Akanbo's shot hit the post, which was followed up by a shot on goal by junior Mohammed Nuhu, saved by Suffolk's Ian Caldwell. 
• In the second half of the game, in the 69th minute, the Mammoths had another shot hit the post, this time by sophomore Sam Davis. Davis' attempt was followed up with another shot by Nuhu, which was blocked by Suffolk's defense. 
• The Mammoths kept their efforts up for the rest of the second half to get on the scoreboard, having 4 shots in the last 20 minutes of the game, but being unable to score. 
• Trey Shepperd had a strong night in goal, saving all 3 of Rams' shots on goal. 

BY THE NUMBERS:

• The Mammoths' season opener versus Suffolk was the first game since their national championship game against Connecticut College on December 7, 2024. They will face the Camels again on Saturday, September 6th.
• The Mammoths took 14 shots (3 on goal, 2 posts); Suffolk took 6 shots (3 on goal). 

UP NEXT:

• With the draw against Suffolk, Amherst now holds a 0-0-1 overall record (0-0-0 versus NESCAC opposition).
• In their first NESCAC game of the season, the Mammoths will next take on the #2 Connecticut College Camels who they beat to become D3 national champions last December. The game will take place at 2:30pm on Saturday on Connecticut's soil, Freeman Field.