The men's soccer team will be walking onto unfamiliar territory when they host NESCAC rival Amherst on Saturday afternoon. Traditionally, the Polar Bears have started off the season very strong; dating back to the 2000 campaign, the men have amassed a remarkable 28-4 record through the first four games each year. Unfortunately, the recent three-game losing streak has prevented this year's early season success as Bowdoin has dropped to a 1-3 record.
The team has not let the frustrating start dampen its spirits though, and will be looking at Saturday's showdown with the Lord Jeffs as the perfect opportunity to revive the proud tradition of Bowdoin Men's Soccer.
Co-captain Harry Ashforth '09 was disappointed with the energy level in last Saturday's 1-0 loss to Williams. Though Will Alden-Dunn '10 put a shot on target that would have surely gone in had it not been for an incredible save by the Williams keeper, most of the offense was from Williams. Though Dan Hicks '11, was able to keep them at bay, logging nine saves over the course of the game, the Polar Bears came up short.
"Dan Hicks was unreal in goal," Danny Chaffetz '11 said.
Unfortunately for the Bears, Williams player Gaston Kelly was finally able to put the Ephs on top with what Chaffetz called one of the most amazing goals he has seen in collegiate soccer.
Although Tim Prior '11 led a number of chances with speed up top, the Bears could not equalize, and went down with a 1-0 defeat.
"The effort was there, the fitness wasn't, but after a tough week of practice, I'm more confident with our fitness level than I was four days ago," Ashforth said.
The Bowdoin community will be hoping that Ashforth is right because fitness will be essential against a talented Amherst team.
Saturday's showdown is especially daunting when one considers the laundry list of injured players that the team is dealing with. No one will be missed more than Co-captain Dominic Fitzpatrick '09, who injured his ankle in the second half of last Saturday's game.
Christopher Hickey '09 believes that the team will be able to cope.
"Obviously the injuries are tough, but we have a very deep team this year and a lot of guys have the potential to step up and do some damage against Amherst," he said.
"Everyone knows what we have to do, now we just need to go out and get it done," Fitzpatrick said.