Amherst scored 27 seconds into Saturday's NESCAC men's soccer match and held on for a 1-0 victory over Middlebury at Hitchcock Field. The Panthers (3-1, 1-1) return to action at home on Tuesday when they host Colby-Sawyer at 4:00 p.m.

The 10th-ranked Jeffs were on the offensive as soon as the whistle blew Saturday and immediately brought the ball into the visitor's end. Just seconds into regulation, Andrew Orozco's header from the left side of the box found Christopher Martin near the six-yard line before he sent a header into the top-right corner of the net, out of goalkeeper Greg Sydor's reach, to put the Jeffs up early, 1-0.

The Purple & White had an opportunity to increase their lead with just over 19 minutes remaining in regulation, when Jackson Lehnhart sent a header to Greg Singer inside the 18-yard line, but his attempt was saved. Minutes later, Amherst had another strong chance that was derailed by Sydor, who made a spectacular diving save following a shot by Luke Nguyen that could have put the home team up by two.

After a one-sided first half in which the Purple & White outshot Middlebury 10-2, the second half featured an even contest with eight shots apiece.

In the 70th minute, Singer received a pass inside the 18 and had a clear attempt on net, but Sydor got a finger on the ball to redirect the shot out of bounds.

Middlebury's best chance to even the score occurred just minutes later as the Panthers applied heavy pressure offensively. Adam Glaser pulled in a cross near the center of the six-yard line, directly in front of Amherst goalkeeper Thomas Bull, who deflected the shot to maintain the lead. Following a scrum in front of net, the home team eventually cleared it.

The Purple & White held on to defeat the Panthers as they outshot the visitors 18-10, and held a 4-1 edge in corner kicks. Bull recorded his fourth shutout in as many appearances, and made four saves. Sydor stopped seven shots in a losing effort.