HARTFORD, CT — Under the lights at the Trinity Soccer Field, the #8 Amherst College men's soccer team rounded off their regular season in style, clinching a third consecutive victory by defeating the Trinity College Bantams 3-0. The Mammoths' dominant performance on Tuesday evening set the stage for a strong entrance into the postseason.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS:

• From the outset, Amherst controlled the pace, consistently pressing for an opening goal. It finally arrived in the 29th minute. A quick counter-attack was sparked by senior Aidan Curtis, who directed a bouncing ball down the field to fellow senior Fynn Hayton-Ruffner on the right flank. Hayton-Ruffner returned the ball to Curtis with a precise first-time volley, who flicked it forward to first-year Mohammed Nuhu in the box. Nuhu connected beautifully with a volley, sending the ball into the bottom left corner beyond Trinity's diving goalkeeper. The goal broke the deadlock and marked Nuhu's sixth of the season.

• Just six minutes later, Amherst doubled their lead through another well-coordinated play down the right side. This time, Nuhu set up Hayton-Ruffner, who lofted a pinpoint cross into the box. First-year Michael Cherico rose above his marker, powering a header into the net for his third career goal at Amherst. 

• For the remainder of the half, Amherst enjoyed the majority of the possession. Trinity managed an attempt on target before halftime, but this was saved, leaving Amherst firmly ahead 2-0 at the break.

• Shortly after the intermission, Amherst extended their lead. In the 47th minute, first-year Obed Opoku showcased his speed, cutting through two Trinity defenders on the left before sending a cross to junior Ioannis Hadjiyiannis. Positioned perfectly near the goal line, Hadjiyiannis tapped the ball into the net, marking his second goal of the season. 

• While Trinity managed a few brief counter-attacks, they were limited to just one additional shot on target in the 85th minute. Amherst's command was evident from start to finish as they cruised to a comprehensive win.

BY THE NUMBERS: 

• Amherst had 17 shots (6 on goal); Trinity had 6 (2 on goal).

• Amherst had 6 corner kicks, one more than Trinity. 

UP NEXT:

• Amherst now holds a 11-2-2 overall record (7-2-1 versus NESCAC opposition).

• Up next: Amherst's win over Trinity wraps up their regular season. With seven conference wins, Amherst will head to the NESCAC Quarterfinals on Saturday. The Mammoths are seeded third in the tournament and will host the Connecticut College Camels on Hitchcock Field. Time TBA.