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Messages - rudy

#1
Men's soccer / Re: 2021 NCAA Tournament
November 20, 2021, 05:56:24 PM
Looks like we will have 2 NESCAC teams in final 4 regardless. Then Chicago and Messiah or W&L. Should be a good time in Greensboro
#2
Men's soccer / Re: 2021 NCAA Tournament
November 15, 2021, 11:51:19 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 15, 2021, 11:33:36 AM
rudy, hello again and if iirc you may have a history as both a Messiah and Kenyon parent.

I have no interest in pushing this little debate further, but you're making an observation and implying/selling that means something particular.  If Messiah players were engaging in rare behaviors for them that could be for any number of reasons. It's also very rare for Messiah to be in the position they were in. They were in a panic and had no answers. That's when human beings including players start looking externally.  Kenyon players were throwing their hands up as well on non calls.  Messiah's own PbP guys estimated the Kenyon possession advantage at 70% or more so I presume the non calls for Messiah weren't during that time.  Messiah's best spell of possession was for about 10-15 minutes after the 1st goal when the goal gave them a little breathing room and Kenyon was stunned for a bit to be down against the run of play.  And Messiah had very little possession at all for the entire 2nd half during which Messiah's own coach acknowledged that Kenyon had been the better team.
Hi Paul
I did not see Messiah players arguing no calls was my point. Not trying to debate whether Kenyon fouled more or harder or not. Just saying that from what I could see on video they weren't complaining.  I never said anything about Kenyon playing dirty. And yes, I had a daughter at Kenyon ..played soccer a couple years. And I had daughter play at Tufts. So I have influences from several tournament teams...ha
#3
Men's soccer / Re: 2021 NCAA Tournament
November 15, 2021, 10:46:58 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 15, 2021, 10:19:55 AM
Quote from: SimpleCoach on November 15, 2021, 07:10:11 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 14, 2021, 09:18:59 PM
Some things have to be answered.  Since I've been following Kenyon soccer in 2011 there's only been two times I've heard allegations of Kenyon being dirty or borderline-dirty.  Both times during and after Messiah games and both times when Messiah folks were freaking about the game.  That doesn't mean it's not true or that it might even be well known, but would have thought we'd catch a whiff of this from OWU, Denison, or even Tufts fans (none of whom have any love for the Lords).  The announcers this time rebounded better than last time (as was reported to me at the time).  Now, yes, they did make complaints today....BUT, they also said, BEFORE the Lords dominated the second half even more than the first, that it felt like Kenyon was up 2-0 rather than being down 1-0.  They talked about being in a state of panic and fans watching being panicked.  They said multiple times that Kenyon had dominated and deserved to win, and they repeatedly commented about Kenyon's possession, pinpoint passing both long and short, and team speed that equaled or exceeded Messiah's speed.  Was Kenyon fouling when Messiah was chasing them all over the field?  At the end, and these are legit Messiah folks, the announcers were almost apologizing for Messiah winning and admitting that on the day Kenyon was the superior team.

@Paul Newman.  Kenyon clearly deserved the game.  Soccer wise they were much better than Messiah on the day.  Ultimately soccer is a game of goals, and they came up short on that.

I will say having watched the whole game, I didn't think Kenyon was fouling or getting away with rough tackles.  I thought it was a hard fought game and if Messiah was complaining I think it more a case that they are 1. not used to be challenged in a game, and 2. were just real  uncomfortable getting into a physical battle like the one Kenyon was giving them.  Like I said, on the other side of the ball, Kenyon gave a bit of a masterclass and all Messiah could do was chase.

@SimpleCoach, much appreciated.  Mixed feelings last night and today...clearly miserable that Kenyon didn't prevail but also thrilled with and incredibly proud of how they played. We can quibble about their finishing but overall just a stellar performance on a big stage.

Your take on Kenyon evolved over the season from pretty good but unsure if in the national mix, to seeing them outplay OWU, to yesterday when you posted your notes or at least wrote them I presume before you saw any comments here.  I would encourage anyone interested to read your notes.  You have praised Messiah and their superior style of play since Day 1, so I don't think any inherent bias from you can be presumed.

Kenyon lost fair and square despite significantly outplaying Messiah.  A bitter pill to swallow but one that has to be swallowed.  The Lords didn't get robbed or jobbed or anything.  A PK where a foul looked unnecessary and a single shot on goal in 90 minutes.  Hard pill to swallow but reality.  Given that Kenyon is yet again on the outside looking in perhaps the coaching staff needs to consider what else they can do differently going forward. 

The pill I'm not going to swallow is the other ridiculous nonsense that got expressed yesterday.  If I wanted to be petty I could argue that Messiah especially at home starts games like this on 1st or 2nd base because of the Messiah mystique and substantial home advantage and support.  But, just like Tufts, they've earned that mystique over the years, and the corresponding arrogance of they are never supposed to lose ever is also very well-earned.  That said, the panic and excuses, even in a win, are an insult not just to the opponent but also to the hard-earned greatness of the Messiah program.  Just offensive...especially in the immediate aftermath of being extremely fortunate to move on.

I would give Messiah a very slight edge over W&L (who I don't know well) or CNU, but if the Falcons get through and if Tufts is sitting there, I think it is highly unlikely that Messiah can beat Tufts who is a significantly bigger, more physical, and probably overall more talented version of Kenyon.  Not sure they'd beat Conn College either and there are several teams on the other side of the bracket who can play the Falcons straight up as well (although those will whittle themselves down to one obviously).

I would just point out that it is rare to see a messiah player complain about a non call. Throwing up hands or asking the ref why no call. Announcers and posters on message boards do not speak for the players and coaches on the team.  Fouls occur with no call in many games. Refs are not perfect.

The tough calls to take are PK calls that could have been non calls, or vice versa. I don't think that happened in the game yesterday. Messiah couple years ago had PK against them playing RPI at Amherst. Fair call and it ultimately led to OT loss. Game they should have won. Yesterday similar fate for Kenyon. Some luck is required to make it through the gauntlet to the finals. Look at teams like Calvin and Chicago who have had great teams recently but can't quite get that championship.
#4
Men's soccer / Re: 2021 NCAA Tournament
November 14, 2021, 05:12:58 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 14, 2021, 12:44:05 PM
Hello again, rudy.  Definitely looking forward to the game and will be very surprised if it's not a tight with with either side having a good chance to take it.  Of course wish it was at a more neutral site, and wondering where Lords would have been placed without loss to Denison, but it is what it is...in my mind two of the top 6-7 contenders in the 2nd round.  That said, definitely some other huge 2nd round games today with Wash U-NP, Chicago-Otterbein, NYU-Conn, CNU-Rowan, JHU-JCU, Midd-F&M, etc.

One question before I try to go dark for a few hours lol....What is relationship between Mechanicsburg and Grantham....Mechanicsburg listed as tournament site but Messiah always referenced as in Grantham?
Paul
Looks like Falconer answered your question. Lords played a heck of a game and got bit by the 1 goal tournament loss bug. Messiah has been on both sides of that and it's painful to not advance when clearly the better team on the day.

Their outside back with the long blonde hair reminded me of someone I know well that used to play for Messiah...ha.  Very composed and crafty . And Martinez is a player. 

#5
Men's soccer / Re: 2021 NCAA Tournament
November 14, 2021, 11:50:50 AM
Quote from: hickory_cornhusker on November 14, 2021, 07:10:15 AM
Quote from: rudy on November 14, 2021, 06:56:44 AM
Quote from: jknezek on November 13, 2021, 09:30:13 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 13, 2021, 07:41:33 PM
I don't know if W&L is favored to host a sectional or if that depends on results tomorrow, but the field appeared to be shaky with a lot of slipping and sliding.

Does anyone know if the soccer tournament handbook switched from 500 to 600 miles for flights? I know it is 600 this year for football. Regardless, if Emory wins, W&L will most likely host. They are the only school within 600 miles of Emory left in the possible quadrant (472 miles according to TES).

If Hanover and Messiah win, I think W&L would most likely host if the rule is 500 miles as they are the only school within that radius of the other 3. Messiah could host if the rule changed to 600 miles (547 miles according to TES between Hanover and Messiah vs. 449 Hanover to W&L). Rowan or Christopher Newport are fine for either school.

If Hanover and Kenyon win, then it depends on the mileage again. CNU to Kenyon is 550 miles while Rowan to Kenyon is 482. Hanover is obviously a relatively short hop. So if the rule is 600 miles, Kenyon is in play, but if it is 500 miles, probably only in play if Rowan wins (482 miles Rowan to Kenyon). Frankly, W&L would probably be the better choice, with a much more central location, but who knows?

Given the way the bracket is set up, it looks to me like W&L is the quadrant's highest seed. So I suspect they will host as all remaining schools are within 500 miles, let alone 600, and there is no conflict men/women, but it wouldn't be the first time the bracket setup in my opinion doesn't match where we think things should go. Either Kenyon or Messiah could host, given other scenarios, so long as Hanover wins and the radius is 600 miles.

I certainly don't see DIII splashing out for a flight for Emory if they don't have to.

If Messiah women's team wins today I believe Messiah men would not be able to host as the women might host next round? I assume the women are a fairly high seed with only 2 losses.   Just something else to consider.

If both were chosen to host, the men would get priority to be the host for the second weekend in an odd number year. Women had priority this weekend.  Now this assumes the school also put into to host both a women's pod and a men's pod which I'm sure Messiah would have done.

Thanks for the info. I can never remember the odd versus even year. Kenyon vs Messiah should be a well contested game today. While Messiah does not seem to have as many offensive weapons as they have had in the past..they have scoring spread out among  quite a few so defenses cannot focus on one or two players. Having LG would certainly be nice but have to compete with who is healthy. Lent Koop has had a couple header goals either directly or indirectly off free kicks or corners. At 6'4" that's a weapon they haven't always had.  Matt M, Trevor G, Luke K, Luke B, Ben L, etc all capable of being dangerous on the offensive end. Defense missing Adam C but Ben V stepped in and played very well.

Paul should be excited for this game back in Grantham! Good luck to your Kenyon team . Hmm .. Lords versus Messiah.... interesting.
#6
Men's soccer / Re: 2021 NCAA Tournament
November 14, 2021, 06:56:44 AM
Quote from: jknezek on November 13, 2021, 09:30:13 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 13, 2021, 07:41:33 PM
I don't know if W&L is favored to host a sectional or if that depends on results tomorrow, but the field appeared to be shaky with a lot of slipping and sliding.

Does anyone know if the soccer tournament handbook switched from 500 to 600 miles for flights? I know it is 600 this year for football. Regardless, if Emory wins, W&L will most likely host. They are the only school within 600 miles of Emory left in the possible quadrant (472 miles according to TES).

If Hanover and Messiah win, I think W&L would most likely host if the rule is 500 miles as they are the only school within that radius of the other 3. Messiah could host if the rule changed to 600 miles (547 miles according to TES between Hanover and Messiah vs. 449 Hanover to W&L). Rowan or Christopher Newport are fine for either school.

If Hanover and Kenyon win, then it depends on the mileage again. CNU to Kenyon is 550 miles while Rowan to Kenyon is 482. Hanover is obviously a relatively short hop. So if the rule is 600 miles, Kenyon is in play, but if it is 500 miles, probably only in play if Rowan wins (482 miles Rowan to Kenyon). Frankly, W&L would probably be the better choice, with a much more central location, but who knows?

Given the way the bracket is set up, it looks to me like W&L is the quadrant's highest seed. So I suspect they will host as all remaining schools are within 500 miles, let alone 600, and there is no conflict men/women, but it wouldn't be the first time the bracket setup in my opinion doesn't match where we think things should go. Either Kenyon or Messiah could host, given other scenarios, so long as Hanover wins and the radius is 600 miles.

I certainly don't see DIII splashing out for a flight for Emory if they don't have to.

If Messiah women's team wins today I believe Messiah men would not be able to host as the women might host next round? I assume the women are a fairly high seed with only 2 losses.   Just something else to consider. 
#7
Men's soccer / Re: Mid-Atlantic Region
November 08, 2021, 07:49:37 AM
Hey Falconer. It's been a while since I've been here but with the tournament selections starting I figured i would check out the tournament. It is a tough loss for Messiah to not have LG for the tourney. One of my favorites Matt McDonald had a nice goal there in the MAC finals. He's just a hard nosed competitor..liked his style the first time I watched him.

Would be nice to see them reach the final 4. Need some breaks here and there to win those tight 1 goal games. I'll try to watch some games here in the tournament
#8
Men's soccer / Re: Liberty League
November 23, 2019, 09:42:37 AM
Quote from: deutschfan on November 23, 2019, 09:37:14 AM
Looking forward to LL season sweep of Messiah today.


If RPI can pull it off then they deserve all the credit. This is not the same Messiah team from opening weekend so it won't be easy. Looking forward to the game! Anyone here attending the game besides me?
#9
Men's soccer / Re: Big Dance
November 22, 2019, 09:55:37 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 22, 2019, 07:55:09 PM
That is brutal.  No idea how that one ball didn't go in on the chip over the Calvin GK and then inches from a PK.  I really thought NP deserved that one.  Excellent job too by Mr. Sager.  A very high caliber game....one of the best I've seen honestly.

What I don't understand is only 2 subs for Calvin (that surprises me about Souders and in D3 soccer just rubs me the wrong way) and only 1 sub for NP (who I did think was tiring especially in the 2nd OT) when they have a roster of 50.  There's got to be at least 4-5 guys out of the extra 35 who can spell the starters.  Anyway, feel really bad for NP.  Calvin if they get by Luther better hope that someone takes care of Tufts because there is no way Calvin is beating Tufts playing 2 subs.

I think the Calvin goalie should buy dinner for the crossbar on that chip. He must have been thinking...oh crap its over my head and going in. Then a bounce and long wait to see if it goes in...saved by the crossbar. Tough break for NP.. Smallest of breaks make the difference between being bounced or winning it all. That's what makes it so tough to repeat. Calvin got golden goal against Messiah in 2016 sweet 16 with about a minute left in 2ot. Deja Vu.  Foul around 30 yards out and set piece goal ended it before shootout. Even during Messiah multiple repeat championships they had OT wins, PK shootouts, and 1 goal victories. Takes good fortune, good health and good defense to pull it off consistently.
#10
Men's soccer / Re: Big Dance
November 22, 2019, 11:25:59 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 22, 2019, 09:30:30 AM
Quote from: rudy on November 22, 2019, 08:58:58 AM
a couple of very interesting games today for sweet 16. Calvin and NP could be a final 4 level game.



I agree both these games today are great matchups especially for the neutral. I have not seen any of these teams yet this season. Anyone know which team has the 6'6 striker with 20 goals? Luther...can this kid be the difference maker in this pod this weekend? On paper efverything looks good.

I know better than to look ahead but Messiah vs Amherst would be a much anticipated game Sunday. Hopefully it happens. Almost happened in 2017 at Messiah in elite 8 but ironically UR knocked out Amherst.. just like they knocked Messiah out last year to go to final 4.  Quite a weekend ahead!
#11
Men's soccer / Re: Big Dance
November 22, 2019, 11:21:27 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 22, 2019, 10:13:16 AM
Quote from: rudy on November 22, 2019, 08:58:58 AM
a couple of very interesting games today for sweet 16. Calvin and NP could be a final 4 level game.

I'll settle for NPU winning in a walkover, but I'm not putting my money down on that happening. ;)

Much less stressful to watch without any skin in the game. I have the same feeling about Messiah vs RPI tomorrow. I wouldn't be upset if it's 3-0 Messiah at half but not counting on it! 
#12
Men's soccer / Re: Big Dance
November 22, 2019, 08:58:58 AM
a couple of very interesting games today for sweet 16. Calvin and NP could be a final 4 level game.
#13
Men's soccer / Re: Big Dance
November 18, 2019, 03:47:41 PM
Quote from: Flying Weasel on November 18, 2019, 03:06:10 PM
Quote from: Falconer on November 18, 2019, 02:38:38 PM
Although watched the whole game (Messiah v Onteonta) on the stream, the picture was small, sometimes the camera wasn't pointing at the action (including on Messiah's second goal), and otherwise wasn't exactly the best. So, I have two questions for anyone who was actually at the game--sure you would have had a much better view.

(1) The play that resulted in the PK for Messiah, when the keeper collided with or took down Luke Groothoff: All I could see was two guys appear to make contact, as Groothoff was heading directly for the goal with the ball at his feet; then they were both on the ground, and Grootoff took a lot longer to get up. I saw the penalty being called. What actually happened? Was the play also carded?

(2) Oneonta scored when their main scorer (Hernandez) knocked one in from close in front, amidst some defenders. It looked good to me and it counted, but I noticed that Messiah's keeper had a conversation with the official afterwards, making gestures I was unable to see too clearly. What was his complaint? Was perhaps Hernandez offside? Did he perhaps shove one or two defenders out of the way? If anyone saw that play more clearly, just curious to hear the full story. Maybe it was just making something out of nothing, but Falcon players don't customarily do that...

I also watched the on-line stream with the poor camera work. 

On the PK, I think the foul occurred only a couple steps inside the left edge of the box and I don't remember it as Groothoff heading directly for goal at the time of the foul. My memory has Groothoff starting left of center and breaking past a defender by carrying the ball a little wider and with the keeper coming out to challenge he continued taking the ball wider to attempt elude the keeper.  And I thought it was the goalkeeper who stayed on the ground longer.

On the Hernandez goal, I assumed Messiah was claiming handball which I had no way of having an opinion on with the camera zoomed out and the number of bodies in the area preventing a clean view of it.

I believe the keepers head hit him in the thigh and took him down in the box in the process for the pk. And the discussion over the Oneonta goal was definitely whether it was a handball.  Goal counted so I guess they ruled incidental contact with hand or they just didn't see it to over rule the goal.
#14
Men's soccer / Re: Big Dance
November 18, 2019, 09:48:17 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 18, 2019, 09:31:49 AM
Just to clarify...and then moving ahead.

I DO think Tufts should be hosting.  A very good facility and atmosphere for hosting as well.  I was just saying that the hosting logistics and unforeseen consequences have benefited Tufts directly in the past, so let's at least acknowledge that in a discussion about how utterly ridiculous something is.  As Shapiro says, the margins get smaller and smaller as you progress in the tournament, so if we're going to talk about advantages that should be earned then we at least should mention advantages that aren't "earned."  Other than myself who had a vested interest, I can't think of another poster commenting on or acknowledging what fell in Tufts' lap in 2016, and in addition to the items already mentioned that year (Trinity too far away and a field problem elsewhere was the fantastical inability of Haverford to close out a 9-man UMass-Boston team...or was it 8?). Anyway, merit is merit and logistics are logistics.  Clearly the NCAA uses a hybrid approach.  And Tufts has thrived in these situations before....beating Messiah, Montclair and Rowan (all favored at the time) on the road.

The other thing unless this is a mistake....Amherst is the only "top seed" playing the early game.  The other top seeds are currently scheduled for the later game.

On another topic, Conn College has sort of flown under the radar.  The Camels have a real chance to reach the Final Four which would be enormous for that program and that school.  in addition to their obvious defensive stinginess anchored by Marcucci, I was surprised at Conn's ability to sustain real offensive pressure on an excellent JHU squad (at least in the 2nd half from what I saw).

I hate to jinx Kenyon Paul but right now they have a pretty favorable shot at the final 4. No tufts, Messiah, Amherst or Calvin to play through and they appear to be peaking. Could be the year.
#15
Men's soccer / Re: Big Dance
November 17, 2019, 08:09:51 PM
Quote from: Buck O. on November 17, 2019, 06:44:13 PM
Quote from: Falconer on November 17, 2019, 04:00:12 PM
Hoping that rudy can provide a report in the Falcon injured list. His son played a terrific game today, repeatedly shutting down much bigger players and sometimes making them look silly by taking the ball from their feet or jumping in front if passes. As I said, Oneonta was much bigger but Messiah was more athletic.

After Ruark went out with what looked like an ankle injury, his son moved from LB to DMF and ran the show like he's done it his whole life.

That was his position in high school.  He was very good at it.


As far as I know right now nobody has injuries keeping them from playing next week.  But not 100% sure. I know Ben came back.in to play. Reid did not. They probably have to evaluate after a day or two.   They were pretty quick to get on the bus and head home. Look forward to a game in MA next week!!