AMHERST, Mass. - They say revenge is sweet. For Keene State College, it's even sweeter in the postseason. After losing to Amherst College 1-0 during the regular season, Keene State rebounded with a 2-0 win at Amherst on Wednesday afternoon, eliminating the Jeffs in the first round of the ECAC Men's Soccer Championship Tournament.

Keene State junior goaltender David Nordmark (South Windsor, CT) was spectacular, turning away countless scoring opportunities with 10 saves - many off point blank scoring opportunities - as Amherst controlled the ball for the better part of the afternoon.

Freshman Matt Lam (Barre, MA) and senior forward Phil DaRosa (Oak bluffs, MA) each scored for the visiting Owls. Lam's goal came 24 minutes into the first half, unassisted off a throw-in from the right corner. DaRosa connected in the 55th minute from the left side of the box after a nifty dribble-pass from freshman forward Peter Peralta (Raymond, NH).

The Jeffs outshot Keene State 28-15 but couldn't get anything past the acrobatic Nordmark. Amherst senior forward Steve Squillario (Randolph, NJ) tested the Owl goalie midway through the first half but was turned away on a lunging save off a point blank shot. Sophomore midfielder Chris Kane (Marblehead, MA) also had a wide open shot before halftime but sailed a right-footed blast just over the crossbar.

After the break, Nordmark handled several more flurries and made two spectacular saves on the Jeffs most promising threat of the afternoon. First-year phenom Franklin Perry (Hartford, CT) sent a rocket from the top of the penalty box toward the goal mouth, where Nordmark made another remarkable save, sprung to his feet and immediately handled a rebound by senior midfielder Judson Coplan (Chevy Chase, MD).

Amherst goalie Bill Orum was solid in defeat with five saves, as the Jeffs finished their season at 8-7-2. Keene St. (16-6) moves on to the ECAC semifinals this weekend against Tufts University at Bowdoin College.

(Courtesy Amherst Sports Information)