Amherst lacks consistency
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Amherst Central's Will Africano maneuvers around a Starpoint defender during the Tigers' 2-0 home loss last Wednesday. Amherst is 5-2-2 through nine games. Photo by John Rusac

Amherst Central varsity boys soccer is off to a 2-1-2 ECIC Division III record, 5-2-2 overall, but coach Bobby DiNunzio is still looking for a consistent week of games.

"We've been consistently inconsistent," said DiNunzio.

"We played Grand Island last Monday and beat them 2-1. They have a good team. It's probably the best we've played all year top to bottom. Two days later, we played Starpoint and lost 2-0. It was a big league game."

DiNunzio said the difference between both games was like night and day.

"We had no energy (against Starpoint)," he said. "I don't know if we were not into it. Two weeks ago when we played Depew and beat them 3-0 we came back two days later and tied Cheektowaga (1-1). It's been up and down."

Amherst's other league games saw the Tigers defeat Pioneer, 2-0, on Sept. 6 and tie Williamsville South, 0-0, Sept. 7. They also placed third in the Lancaster Tournament, falling to Kenmore West, 1-0, on Sept. 8 then beat Niagara Falls, 6-1, on Sept. 9 in the consolation game. Amherst also shut out Canisius, 2-0, in a non-league game.

Will Gowen and Kevin Rogers have four and three goals, respectively, to lead the Amherst offense.

"We don't where we're going to get (offense) from," said DiNunzio. "Every game is going to be (somebody) different."

DiNunzio said three nice surprises who have contributed are juniors Sam Suggs (outside back) and Kurt Ebsary and David Szymkowiak (midfield). He has also liked the play from Tom Stofko, Will Africano and Bridger Langfur.

Amherst hosted Maryvale Tuesday but results were unavailable before The Bee went to press. The Tigers host West Seneca West. To find consistency, DiNunzio said everyone has got to come ready to play every game.

"It's why I keep rotating guys to find out who really wants to stay in," said DiNunzio. "If you're going to play, you going to have to play consistent. One day it's one guy, another day it's somebody else."

e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com