BRUNSWICK, Maine – Dialed in from the opening kickoff, a heads-up play on a free kick by the Mammoths in the 30th minute stood as the difference maker, as the No. 10 Amherst College men's soccer team edged Bowdoin, 1-0 in the regular season for the fifth consecutive year Saturday afternoon Pickard Field.

"Every Nescac game is a battle and today was no different. History told us it was likely going to be decided by a set piece and That's exactly what happened. The goal came on an awesome heads up-play by Dane Lind and a great finish by Luke," said head coach Justin Serpone. "Bowdoin is a good team and I'm sure we'll see them again." 

With the win, Amherst improves to 2-0 on the season and to 1-0 in league play, while Bowdoin falls to 1-1 overall (0-1 NESCAC). Amherst returns to the field on Saturday, Sept. 15 when they travel to Middlebury for a 12 p.m. battle.

Breaking through with 14:14 remaining in the first half, the Mammoths made the most of a free kick opportunity following a Bowdoin foul 35 yards out. Quickly making his way up to the ball before either side was fully set, Dane Lind '20 slyly dished a short pass to Luke Nguyen '19 inside the goalie box who chipped a shot over the goalkeepers' head, bar-down as he was tackled to the grass.

The Polar Bear's best chance of the bout came in the with just under 22 minutes remaining, as Bowdoin drew a corner kick at the 21:48 mark. Getting his foot on the ball, Harry Cooper volleyed a hard shot on target, however Michael Stone '21 proved up to the task as he punched the ball away from the goal line. Following up the attempt with a header, Moctar Niang found nylon, but the score was called back due to a Bowdoin foul prior to the shot attempt.

"What I liked about today is that for the second game in a row, everyone contributed to the win," said Serpone. "It's hard to win games and we're going to need all 25 guys bringing that sort of energy all season."

BY THE NUMBERS

• In goal Stone (2-0) made one stop in the winning effort for Amherst, while Chris Kingston (1-1) registered five saves in the loss for the Polar Bears.
• The Mammoths held the advantage in shots in the matchup, 10-6, while Bowdoin edged Amherst in corner kicks, 2-1.
• A physical contest, Amherst was whistled for 17 fouls, while the Polar Bears racked up 14 infractions.