WORCESTER, MA- The SUNY Poly men's soccer team ended their historic season with a 2-1 loss to Amherst in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. It was the 5th NCAA Tournament appearance under NAC Coach of the Year Peterson Jerome.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Mammoths would strike first on Saturday morning with a goal from Luka Ohadike in the 23rd minute, which was assisted by Ionnia Hadjiyiannis. The Wildcats would have a few equalizing chances in the first half that were knocked away by Mammoth's goalie Max Landa. The Wildcats would trail 1-0 heading into halftime.

In the second half, the Mammoths would strike again early, this time on a goal from Shawn Rapal in the 57th minute on an assist from Ryan Gomez. As the clock ticked down, the Wildcat's chances looked thin until Amherst allowed an own goal in the 73rd minute to give the Wildcats life. Although a great effort in the winding minutes, the Wildcats were unable to find the back of the net and the Mammoths would hold on for the 2-1 victory. 

NOTABLE STATISTICS: 

• The Wildcats finish the 2023 campaign with a record of 13-6-1. The 13-win season ties them for the third-winningest season under Peterson Jerome.

• Kevin Ryan, Abus Mohamed Ali, Thomas Nimineh, Matthew McCord, and Ryan Primus all landed on the NAC All-Conference teams for the 2023 season Kevin Ryan was also named Co-Defensive Player of the Year, and Jephte Joseph was named to the All-Sportsmanship Team. Coach Peterson Jerome was awarded Coach of the Year.