AMHERST, Mass. - Celebrating its first ever NCAA Division III ranking, No. 23 Western New England College received a goal from senior Paul Russo (Dix Hills, NY) with 4:23 remaining to defeat Amherst College 1-0 in a non-conference men's soccer match in the rain Tuesday.

Junior Kofi Oteng (Worcester, MA) had the assist on the winning shot as the Golden Bears improved their record to 12-1 following their seventh straight victory. 

Western New England College junior goalie Chris Wilk (Derry, NH) made six saves as did Amherst keeper Greg Lockwood. Both players made leaping, one-handed saves in the second half to keep the game scoreless.

Just before the start of the game, Western New England College received a top 25 ranking for the first time in its 40-year history in the weekly National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/adidas Division III Poll. The Golden Bears also are tied for third in the NSCAA Division III New England Rankings.