AMHERST — It was a nail-biter Wednesday afternoon when the Amherst Regional boys soccer team met West Springfield.
The Hurricanes came out on top 1-0, handing the Terriers their first loss of the season.
It was the second straight win for the Hurricanes (3-3-1, 1-2-1 Smith League).
The game’s only goal was scored by senior forward Luca LaRaja in the opening 10 minutes. The goal came off of a Terrier defensive turnover that led to an open shot from the top of the box for LaRaja, who scored his first goal of the season.
The Terriers (3-1-1, 1-1-1) entered the game averaging 3.25 goals per game, providing a test for the Amherst defense.
“We just went out and played like they were any other team,” LaRaja said. “We try to play every team just as strong as the last.”
The Hurricanes obtained their first shutout of the season thanks to junior goaltender Matt Essig. Due to good play in a 5-1 win over Mount Greylock on Monday, Essig was given the starting nod once again. He didn’t disappoint.
Essig saved eight shots, including a wide-open shot that put him on an island in the last two minutes of play.
“I was hyped to come out and start again,” he said. “Really as a team, we were feeling good after our last game. I knew they were undefeated and wanted to give them a loss.”
Since an 0-2 start, the Hurricanes have won 3 of 4.
“From my sophomore and junior seasons it seems that the trend that Coach Rudd’s teams follow are they start slow but as the season goes on we build momentum and pull off streaks,” LaRaja said. “I’m hoping this is the start of a long one.”
The Hurricanes will look to extend their winning streak against Minnechaug, Friday at 5:30 p.m. in Amherst. The Falcons are 1-2-2 following a loss to Longmeadow on Tuesday.