For the second straight season, and the third time in four years, the Amherst College men’s soccer team is vying for a national championship.
Connecticut College vs Amherst Soccer Match Info:
What: 2024 NCAA DIII men’s soccer National Championship
Who: Connecticut College vs Amherst
When: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch on FUBO
Game preview: Connecticut College vs Amherst
The Mammoths secured their spot in the NCAA Division III title game with a 2-1 victory over NESCAC rival Middlebury in Thursday’s Final Four matchup in Las Vegas. They now face another conference foe, Connecticut College, as they aim for their first national title since 2015. Amherst has fallen short in its last three championship appearances, including last year’s overtime loss to St. Olaf.
The Mammoths’ last championship showdown with Connecticut College ended in heartbreak, as the Camels claimed victory in penalty kicks after two overtime periods. This season, the two teams have already met twice. Amherst won their first encounter on September 7 with a 1-0 victory at Hitchcock Field, but Connecticut College triumphed in penalty kicks during the NESCAC quarterfinals.
Amherst’s journey through the 2024 NCAA tournament has been marked by versatility, with wins coming in various forms: a two-goal margin, penalty shootouts, double-overtime battles, and narrow one-goal triumphs where they held on late. This resilience could serve them well in Saturday’s championship.
Despite their recent history of losses in the big game, head coach Justin Serpone emphasized that the team isn’t dwelling on the past. Instead, their focus remains on the task at hand: defeating the Camels to secure their second national title in a decade.
“We’re just focused on the next game, the one in front of us,” Serpone said. “And that sounds like some sort of coach talk, but it’s not. The only way to win single-elimination tournaments is by focusing on what’s in front of you. Climb the stair that’s in front of you.”
Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Saturday, and fans can stream the game live on NCAA.com.
