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D3soccer.com => Women's soccer => Topic started by: Giggs on September 07, 2012, 12:39:28 PM

Title: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on September 07, 2012, 12:39:28 PM
Let's see if anyone populates this.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 09, 2012, 07:30:31 AM
I'll start. Didn't see any games, so it's mostly info you can get off the NESCAC site...
2011 NCAA quarterfinalist and NCAA #14-ranked Williams started with a 2-0 non-league loss to Oneonta State (weren't in tourney last year) while Bowdoin opened with a 4-0 blanking of Southern Maine.

Conference play started yesterday (home team listed first): Williams beat Bates, 2-0; Hamilton tripped Trinity, 2-1 (2OT); Bowdoin won over Wesleyan, 1-0; Conn. College conceded to Colby, 2-1; NCAA #10-ranked Middlebury triumphed over Tufts, 2-0. NCAA #7-ranked Amherst had the bye.

Note: How is Johns Hopkins, who lost to Amherst in the 2011 quarterfinals, ranked #3, ahead of Wheaton (NCAA runner-up), Messiah (NCAA champ), and Amherst? Interestingly, Hopkins squandered a 2-0 lead to tie Emory Friday after being shut out, 4-0, by Messiah on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Messiah already has a 2-1 OT loss to Emory and a 1-1 tie against William Smith, who they beat in the 2011 semis.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on September 12, 2012, 01:22:35 PM
So to those who might know, do the two early losses mean that Williams might be a be more vulnerable than in the past?
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: amh63 on September 12, 2012, 03:56:12 PM
Based on the preseason polls, Williams' unranked team would seem to be not as strong as last year.....in the conference with at least three or more ranked teams.  However, considering the losses of JHU, Messiah, etc., one wonders what the pre-season rankings really mean or matter.  I expect that Williams will "find its legs" so to speak and be a tough opponent within a tough league by the season's end.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on September 12, 2012, 09:54:31 PM
Blow out special, Amherst puts a hurt on Mount Holyoke 9-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: amh63 on September 15, 2012, 04:01:03 PM
Amherst opened its conference play with a 2-0 win over Bates in Maine.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on September 15, 2012, 10:12:37 PM
Surprise result was Wes over Tufts. Tufts off to a slow start.  Looks like they need some home cooking, which should help when they play Colby. Williams pulls one out in the last minute, and Bowdoin maintains its strong start.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on September 20, 2012, 11:27:08 AM
On the road, looks like Tufts was fortunate to get out of Norton with a tie against Wheaton (shots 25-7).  Also, based on stat's of an evenly matched game Amherst took a 1-0 result against Springfield.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on September 24, 2012, 09:27:40 AM
Well, looks like the home cooking for Tufts was not any good.  Looks like this is a down year for them.  Mid and Amherst battle it out and looks like they will be in the mix for the title. Williams at the top of the standings, but have not played the difficult part of the schedule yet, next two weeks will be telling with trips to Hamilton, then Amherst and Bowdoin.  Conn is well, Conn.  Interesting to see if Bowdoin and Hamilton can stay in the upper bracket of the standings, with both of them playing Williams in the next couple of weeks.  Trinity, Bates, and Wes with 3 losses already are putting themselves in a difficult position.  Colby a bit of a surprise this early on, but their 3-0 loss to Mid might be a true indicator that they will fall to the bottom half of the standings.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: machine54 on September 24, 2012, 08:55:03 PM
Midd - With virtually it's entire team returning -just recorded its 14th shutout in its last 15 games


Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: amh63 on September 24, 2012, 10:09:36 PM
Machine54......thats one way of looking at it!  Amherst-Midd. game at Mid. ended in a 0-0 tie after 2OTs.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: machine54 on September 24, 2012, 10:42:06 PM
Yes I know I was there -how else would you like to look at it ? 
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on September 25, 2012, 08:47:45 AM
I think you can look at it as two contenders going at it, with neither having rendered a goal yet this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 25, 2012, 06:09:24 PM
Yes, congrats to Midd for recording their 14th shutout in the last 15 games.
And congrats to Amherst for going undefeated in 25 of their last 26 games!  ;) (24 wins, 1 tie)
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on September 26, 2012, 09:42:58 PM
Williams is outshot 9 - 6 by Springfield, but remarkably comes away with a 3 - 0 result. They find a way to win.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: amh63 on September 27, 2012, 07:46:48 PM
In an evening match at Amherst, Amherst beats Trinity 3-1.  Amherst gives up its first goal of the season to Trinity in about the 51 minute.  Amherst added its third goal with 12 minutes to goal.  Trinity's goal made it 2-1 in the contest. More accurate specifics on the Amherst website in the recap of the game.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 27, 2012, 08:52:26 PM
Didn't see the whole game, so I went to the box score. Amherst outshot Trinity, 33-4?!
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on September 27, 2012, 09:14:13 PM
Very curious article article in the Tufts student newspaper. Is team dissension causing their difficulties: http://www.tuftsdaily.com/women-s-soccer-nothing-to-lose-for-tufts-in-homecoming-match-against-amherst-1.2770196#.UGT4xWt5mSM
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on September 29, 2012, 07:46:20 AM
Picks for today.  Mid takes Wes, even though at Wes I see them getting out of there 3-0.  Amherst 2, Tufts 0, sorry but do not think baking cookies will help them today. Bowdoin should win handily at home against Conn, I will say something like 4-1.  bates Hamilton could be an interesting match, but will take Hamilton at home 2-1. Lastly, just have a sense that Colby Trinity is an even match, will pick this as a 2-2 tie. Good luck everyone.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: amh63 on September 29, 2012, 05:34:42 PM
Giggs.....good call.  Amherst beats Tufts 2-0 at Tufts.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 29, 2012, 10:01:59 PM
Tufts' high pressure pushed Amherst off rhythm in the first half, giving the Jumbos much of the ball for the first 40 mins. An own goal with 5 mins remaining put the Jeffs up by one at the half. It was mostly Amherst from then on, and they scored the insurance in stanza two. Big week ahead to prepare for Williams.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on September 30, 2012, 09:49:35 AM
Big miss yesterday was Trinity over Colby.  One player nets all three. Other surprise, but not the result was Wes apparently giving Mid an even match. Bowdoin winning by only one at home over Conn is a bit troubling for them.

For today, Bates and Tufts are having trouble putting the ball in the net. With Tufts at home, I will take them in a 1-0 game.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on September 30, 2012, 03:10:28 PM
Well, both teams scoring difficulties continue. 2OT's, 0-0 final.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on October 01, 2012, 04:16:20 PM
Looks like Abbey Lake @Trinity is off to a great start and early leader for ROY (leading points and goal scorer), others worth watching/mentioning?
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: machine54 on October 01, 2012, 10:26:12 PM
How is Wesleyan 1-4 in the Nescac   They played a very good second half v midd. With the schedule they have left would not surprise me if they finish 5-5

Freshman Hannah robinson at midd is very talented playing behind two senior captains at defensive mid but she is getting good minutes and started a bunch of games




Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: amh63 on October 06, 2012, 04:39:37 PM
Amherst lost to Williams at home in the last 30 seconds....It was 3-2 Williams after Amherst took an early 2-0 lead and a 2-1 lead at the half.  Amherst gave up a goal late in the game and lost the game as Williams last goal was with less than 30 seconds to go in reulation play.  Amherst seemed, imo, to expect to win after taking a 2-0 lead...that lead coming easy.  Amherst did not wake up even when Williams scored  near the end of the first half. 
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on October 07, 2012, 10:23:48 PM
Wow, big shocker of the weekend is Conn over Mid!  Stat's indicate Mid had the better of play except where it counted-goals scored. Anyone there to give their perspective?

Also, Williams comes off a great weekend and is looking like the fav to take the title.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: amh63 on October 14, 2012, 12:30:19 PM
Amherst beats Colby at home on Sat.....4-0 and gives HSC her 100 win in 9 seasons.  Nice write-up of the game on the Amherst website.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 15, 2012, 03:40:47 PM
Amherst scored many goals this weekend, outscoring two NESCAC opponents, 9-1, but the games felt closer than the scores, especially the Bowdoin game. Bowdoin has some real attacking threats with a combination of players who provide quickness and size. They had Amherst on their heels in the opening two minutes and for the first 15 mins after Amherst scored an early goal in the third minute. Amherst took over, especially in the second half when they held onto the ball for longer and longer build-ups, leaving Bowdoin to resorting to winning the ball in their defensive third and bypassing midfield to their strength in the attack third.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on October 16, 2012, 07:28:03 PM
Was hoping others would post. No longer have a direct involvement and am missing Becks. Maybe a guest appearance?
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: 2xfaux on October 17, 2012, 12:25:09 PM
It is my understanding that Becks is preping to moderate the next Presidential Debate.  I am afraid you folks are on your own.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 17, 2012, 01:07:43 PM
C'mon, Giggs. Stick around!
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: jc2 on October 18, 2012, 03:15:52 PM
NCAA has posted the first Regional Rankings of the season. Any thoughts? NESCAC dominates the list with 5 of the top 7 teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 18, 2012, 04:41:10 PM
I'll play. First of all, no surprise that NESCAC has numbers here. Secondly, the rankings were obviously done before Wheaton lost to MIT. Lastly, how does Middlebury end up at #1 if they have the same record as Amherst, including a tie with the Jeffs and a loss to unranked Conn College?
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: jc2 on October 19, 2012, 08:35:03 AM
Don't claim to understand how the percentages are converted into actual rankings but IF it's a simple sum of the percentages in each column, a loss to an unranked team gets buried in the overall win-loss percentage while a loss to a ranked team can have a huge impact. For example, if you play only one ranked team your W-L percentage is 1.000 but if you lose it is 0.000. This can have a huge effect on your ranking. Amherst's loss was to a ranked team while Midd's was to an unranked team. Thus, it would appear that the Regional Rankings are strongly influenced by the W-L record against ranked teams. Furthermore, if this is a correct analysis the rankings could change dramatically during the NESCAC playoffs as ranked teams will be facing off against each other.

Anyone know exactly how the NCAA converts the percentages into rankings?
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Ocean 1 on October 20, 2012, 10:05:12 AM
No doubt the big game coming up on the NESCAC schedule is next Wednesday's Will vs. Mid match. Barring an upset today, winner will have #1 seed in NESCAC Tournament. Top 3 teams...Williams, Amherst and Mid seem to be matched very evenly.

Should be a terrific conference tournament.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 20, 2012, 08:56:55 PM
jc2, you're right about weight of losses to ranked teams v. losses to unranked team. Doesn't that seem bonkers to you? The way I see it, if you lose to an unranked team, that should hurt you more than if you lose to a ranked team because--on paper--a ranked team shouldn't lose to an unranked team, but a ranked team is supposed to give another ranked team a challenge. Anyway, the NESCAC tourney should be a pressure cooker!
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: jc2 on October 20, 2012, 10:21:55 PM
Tufts beat Hamilton 4-0??? Is this accurate? Quite the stunner. Anyone see the game?
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: pcc on October 21, 2012, 12:46:41 PM
As far as NCAA tournament goes, do 3 NESCAC teams getting bids sound right this year? More? Less?
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on October 22, 2012, 08:47:24 AM
I would say that three are in play at this point, but it also depends on how teams do in the NESCAC tournament.  Three teams made it in two of the past two three years, but there are really a very limited number of at-large slots available. 
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Ocean 1 on October 22, 2012, 03:08:12 PM
Agree with Giggs view. Some more color:

In 2011, only 4 of 22 NCAA 'at-large' berths were awarded to the New England Region (in addition to the 8 automatic qualifying conference champion berths).

Two 'at-large' berths went to NESCAC (Williams & Midd) / two went to NEWMAC (Springfield & Wheaton).

Importantly, the key determination for 'at-large' bids is where teams finish in the final NCAA Regional  Rankings. In 2011, Midd and Williams were ranked at #2 and #3 (behind Amherst at #1, the NESCAC Champ and AQ-automatic qualifier) while Springfield and Wheaton were ranked #4 and #5 respectively (#6 MIT was the NEWMAC Champ and AQ).

So who are leading NESCAC candidates for NCAA bids in 2012? Let's turn to the recent 2012 Regional Rankings as of 10/17 (there are still two more rankings to come before final selection): #1 Midd, #2 Wheaton, #3 Williams, #4 Amherst, #5 Bowdoin, #6 Brandeis, #7 Hamilton, #8 Springfield, etc.

At this point, assuming form holds as in 2011 and nothing else changes, NCAA shoe-ins would appear to be Midd, Williams and Amherst with Bowdoin running as a dark horse.

But, as Giggs points out...not so fast...as both regular season completion and conference championships will play a big factor toward final Regional Rankings, AQ's and the 'at-large' selection process.

Probably the most competitive race for Regional Rankings and NCAA's in recent NESCAC history...we're in for a treat!
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: pcc on October 22, 2012, 05:07:37 PM
So, an early exit in the NESCAC tournament for say Bowdoin could be the kiss of death getting an NCAA berth?
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 22, 2012, 06:01:31 PM
Yes, depends on Bowdoin's tourney success, perhaps.
Last week's NCAA regional poll (will be updated tomorrow, with guaranteed changes, especially for Wheaton, I imagine):
Rank  School          In-Region Overall
1   Middlebury        9-1-1    9-1-1
2   Wheaton (MA)13-0-2   13-0-2
3   Williams        9-2-1    9-2-1
4   Amherst        9-1-1    9-1-1
5   Bowdoin        9-3-0    9-3-0
6   Brandeis      10-3-1   10-3-1
7   Hamilton        8-3-1    8-3-1
8   Springfield        8-4-1    8-4-1
9   MIT              10-3-1    10-3-1
10   UMass-B      13-1-0   13-1-0
11   Westfld St.      12-0-1   13-0-1
12   Babson        6-3-1     7-0-1
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: jc2 on October 23, 2012, 08:30:10 AM
How does the NCAA go from the data (winning pct, opponents winnning percentage, etc.) to the regional rankings? It doesn't appear to be a simple sum of the components. There must be some sort of weighting. Could someone in the know post the formula the NCAA uses?
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on October 23, 2012, 09:12:24 AM
jc2, here is a link that "explains" the ranking process.  Let us know if you can figure this out!  http://www.d3soccer.com/rankings/2011/about.  Also, in my estimation (assuming that they defeat Tufts in the last game) to have a chance Bowdoin needs to at least make it to the conference finals and beat Amherst, Williams or Mid along the way--the three teams that have beat them and are ahead of them in the rankings.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Ocean 1 on October 23, 2012, 11:01:23 AM
This will be a good test to see if Wheaton's #2 Regional Ranking is changed tomorrow at this point in the season.

Logic: Wheaton has a 1-1-1 performance since the first Regional Ranking last week, including a loss to #9 ranked MIT and tie with #12 Babson.

But, Wheaton also has wins against higher ranked teams including Williams, Springfield and UMass-Boston earlier in the season which is how, in part, they got to #2.

With Hamilton's big loss to Tufts (unranked), Springfield's 2-0 performance against unranked teams and Bowdoin, Brandeis, Williams, Midd and Amherst holding their own against unranked teams, I might expect to see Wheaton stay where they are, but MIT move-up at Hamilton's expense. Just unsure how that strength-of-schedule stuff weighs-in here. We shall see.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Ocean 1 on October 23, 2012, 12:20:00 PM
Further to Regional Rankings, interesting to see correlations between actual rankings and the Regional Data Sheets as of 10/17 for each of the Top 5 ranked teams:

                  WL %           Opp. WL %               Opp.-Opp. WL %              SOS          Vs. Ranked Teams

1. Midd      9-1-1 (.864)         .605                           .577                        .596             .875 (3-0-1)

2. Whea   13-0-2 (.933)         .532                           .555                        .539            1.000 (3-0-0)

3. Will        9-2-1 (.792)         .647                           .583                        .626             .583 (3-2-1)

4. Amh       9-1-1 (.864)         .600                           .599                        .600             .700 (3-1-1)

5. Bow       9-3-0 (.750)         .608                           .574                        .596             .400 (2-3-0)

Key Insights: We read that the Primary Criteria for Regional Rankings (not listed in priority order because they don't give us this) are:

- WL % against regional opponents
- Strength-of-schedule (SOS)
- In-region head-to-head competition
- In-region results vs. common regional opponents
- In-region results vs. regionally ranked teams

My guess on criteria weightings priority is i) WL %, ii) SOS and iii) results vs. ranked teams...followed by balance of other criteria/weightings. Anyone out there that can confirm?

Further, if we review the rankings against primary criteria, it starts to make some sense:

- While Wheaton has the WL % and performance vs. ranked teams edge, Midd noses them out for #1 based on SOS and total of 5 criteria combined.
- Williams does the same with Amherst for #3, and on the strength of winning their head-to-head match.

One thing for sure...we have all the makings for a shake-up based on tomorrow's games and the NESCAC Tournament results!
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: jc2 on October 23, 2012, 12:35:43 PM
A bit surprising to me that the NCAA uses a "secret" formula to arrive at the rankings even though they make the data public.

Even though there is a lot of uncertainty in the NESCAC race for the playoffs, one game is already set (Bowdoin v Hamilton).
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: 2xfaux on October 23, 2012, 02:10:44 PM
If you google "secret formula ncaa" not much relevant comes up and much to my surprise if you try "secret formula ncaa Dick Cheney" still not that much.  Which leads me to believe that in the end there is a hat involved some how. 
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on October 23, 2012, 04:31:22 PM
Tufts playing for its life tied 1-1 with Bowdoin in the second half.  A tie is not good enough for them to stay in the play for the tournament.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: jc2 on October 23, 2012, 05:45:21 PM
The NESCAC race for playoff spots looks very interesting. Bates and Tufts are out. There is a logjam for the last couple of spots. The tiebreak rules (whatever they are) are going to be put to good use!
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on October 24, 2012, 09:47:28 AM
So here is the tie breaking procedure if three teams will be tied in the position to determine who is in and who is out.  Will not try to figure out the head to head at this point as the calculation depends on what Colby and Conn does--win or tie they are out of the formula and are in the tournament:

3-way or more tie (or if teams tied during the regular season):
1. Best record among tying teams, against one another (head-to-head).
2. Best conference winning percentage.
3. Most conference wins (in games that are part of the conference schedule and count toward league standings).
4. Comparison of results of conference games played against top 4 teams (including all teams at the 4th spot).
5. Comparison of results of conference games played against top 8 teams (including all teams at the 8th spot).
6. Comparison of results of conference games played against conference teams in rank order. Comparisons shall be made one team at a time starting with the highest ranked team.
7. If the tie remains after comparing results against the highest ranked team, the results against the next team in rank order shall be used. This process is continued until a winner is determined.
8. Coin flip (or similar random action involving all tied teams).
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: jc2 on October 24, 2012, 04:00:21 PM
Last day of the regular season.

Midd has beaten Williams 3-1, so should be the #1 seed.

Amherst v Conn and Bates v Colby this afternoon will be important in dictating the last teams to get in.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: amh63 on October 24, 2012, 05:15:09 PM
Near the end of the first half of the men's soccer game with Amherst ahead, 2-0, one of the CT. announcers reported that the women's game in the lower field also had a 2-0 score with Amherst having the lead.  The women's team had such a lead against Williams and lost to the Ephs in the last 30 seconds.  Go Jeffs.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 24, 2012, 05:59:55 PM
So Amherst defeated Conn, 2-1, leaving a three-way tie for first among Amherst, Middlebury and Williams. Middlebury beat Williams today, 3-1, so based on head-to-head and then record against top 4 in the league, Middlebury gets the #1 seed. If they win their quarterfinal Saturday, they play host for the semis and finals.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on October 24, 2012, 06:23:31 PM
Actually, congrat's to Conn for making the tournament. Perhaps the beginning of a better path?
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: machine54 on October 24, 2012, 07:24:25 PM
Batman and Robin combine to dismantle Williams. Seriously flawed gameplay/execution by the Ephs playing into what Midd likes to do best.  This is Midd's window of opportunity but Wesleyan will be a tough opponent and after making some adjustments played a great second half v. Midd when they met during the season. Should Midd advance loser of Amherst/Williams semi-final would appear to be in jeopardy of not receiving NCAA bid.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 24, 2012, 07:30:23 PM
You speak like the Riddler, Machine. What does Midd like to do best? And which would you choose as Batman?
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: jc2 on October 25, 2012, 09:02:29 AM
Quote from: Ocean 1 on October 23, 2012, 11:01:23 AM
This will be a good test to see if Wheaton's #2 Regional Ranking is changed tomorrow at this point in the season.

Logic: Wheaton has a 1-1-1 performance since the first Regional Ranking last week, including a loss to #9 ranked MIT and tie with #12 Babson.

But, Wheaton also has wins against higher ranked teams including Williams, Springfield and UMass-Boston earlier in the season which is how, in part, they got to #2.

With Hamilton's big loss to Tufts (unranked), Springfield's 2-0 performance against unranked teams and Bowdoin, Brandeis, Williams, Midd and Amherst holding their own against unranked teams, I might expect to see Wheaton stay where they are, but MIT move-up at Hamilton's expense. Just unsure how that strength-of-schedule stuff weighs-in here. We shall see.

This week's Regional Rankings:
1 Middlebury
2 Williams
3 Amherst
4 Wheaton (MA)
5 Bowdoin
6 Brandeis
7 MIT
8 Springfield
9 Hamilton
10 Babson
11 Western CT ST
12 Westfield ST
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Ocean 1 on October 25, 2012, 10:34:29 AM
Quote from: Giggs on October 24, 2012, 06:23:31 PM
Actually, congrat's to Conn for making the tournament. Perhaps the beginning of a better path?

As our fellow board member and keen observer of NESCAC soccer Becks once said..."Beware the hissing Camel".

These ladies have been making great strides on the pitch this year...and seemingly saving their best performances against the best teams...giving fits to Williams, Midd and Amherst. They could be on the rise.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Ocean 1 on October 25, 2012, 11:27:22 AM
Quote from: machine54 on October 24, 2012, 07:24:25 PM
Batman and Robin combine to dismantle Williams. Seriously flawed gameplay/execution by the Ephs playing into what Midd likes to do best.  This is Midd's window of opportunity but Wesleyan will be a tough opponent and after making some adjustments played a great second half v. Midd when they met during the season. Should Midd advance loser of Amherst/Williams semi-final would appear to be in jeopardy of not receiving NCAA bid.

Two thoughts:

1. Let's not get too carried away here. No doubt Midd played a near perfect pressure game yesterday and the Ephs had some key defensive breakdowns. That happens in soccer as Midd can testify in its 1-0 loss to Conn this season. The fact that Midd has by far the highest percentage of Upperclassmen on its roster in NESCAC doesn't hurt either. Can you imagine if they don't win it all with this line-up?

2. If Williams-Amherst do in fact meet in the NESCAC semi's, doubtful that the loser will not make it in as an NCAA at-large pick. Logic is based on the current Regional Rankings (with one left to go) and the observation that conference round robin tournaments seem to have little influence at season-end on NCAA officials as they represent a small percentage of overall in-season play as an indicator of strength. Of course, when it comes to NCAA logic and rankings...who really knows.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: jc2 on October 25, 2012, 01:26:41 PM
Quote from: Ocean 1 on October 25, 2012, 11:27:22 AM
Quote from: machine54 on October 24, 2012, 07:24:25 PM
Batman and Robin combine to dismantle Williams. Seriously flawed gameplay/execution by the Ephs playing into what Midd likes to do best.  This is Midd's window of opportunity but Wesleyan will be a tough opponent and after making some adjustments played a great second half v. Midd when they met during the season. Should Midd advance loser of Amherst/Williams semi-final would appear to be in jeopardy of not receiving NCAA bid.

Two thoughts:

1. Let's not get too carried away here. No doubt Midd played a near perfect pressure game yesterday and the Ephs had some key defensive breakdowns. That happens in soccer as Midd can testify in its 1-0 loss to Conn this season. The fact that Midd has by far the highest percentage of Upperclassmen on its roster in NESCAC doesn't hurt either. Can you imagine if they don't win it all with this line-up?
2. If Williams-Amherst do in fact meet in the NESCAC semi's, doubtful that the loser will not make it in as an NCAA at-large pick. Logic is based on the current Regional Rankings (with one left to go) and the observation that conference round robin tournaments seem to have little influence at season-end on NCAA officials as they represent a small percentage of overall in-season play as an indicator of strength. Of course, when it comes to NCAA logic and rankings...who really knows.

Could you elaborate on this? Is there a strong correlation between a team winning and the number of seniors on the roster? Are seniors on average better players than younger players? What if the seniors don't start or are not impact players? What about a strong recruiting class behind the seniors?
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: amh63 on October 25, 2012, 04:12:29 PM
Still trying to figure out the Batman and Robin comment.  A bit of clarification is needed as I am a little slow here.  Jump4Joy just wanted  to know about Batman.....me the whole pair!
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 25, 2012, 06:52:35 PM
Amh63, my guess is that Machine54 is referring to Kirk and Favorito. Batman could be Kirk in that she gets the headlines with goals scored, but those who favor playmakers might cast Favorito as the Batman in that playmakers control the game. How's that for comic book analysis, Machine?
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: frank uible on October 25, 2012, 08:34:13 PM
May I play the Joker?
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on October 27, 2012, 11:17:04 AM
Quick predictions.  Top three seeds "should" win handily. Would put Williams Conn closer, but with Williams losing last weekend I think Pinard will have them play hard at home and win 4-0.  Also think Amherst ends with a 3-0 win.  Mid I will take at 3-1 (someone has to score from the bottom three seeds).  Will take Bowdoin in a close 2-1 game primarily because they are at home, but would not  be surprised to see Hamilton win.  Good luck to everyone that has a child playing, enjoy watching them play while you can!
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: amh63 on October 27, 2012, 02:20:01 PM
Amherst holds "serve" on a wet field today....beating Colby 1-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: deiscanton on October 27, 2012, 04:04:21 PM
NESCAC Women's Quarterfinal Results-- Home team listed first

Middlebury 0, Wesleyan 2
Amherst 1, Colby 0
Williams 3, Conn College 0
Bowdoin 3, Hamilton 2

Middlebury should get one of the 21 Pool C's on Nov 5.

Wesleyan will need to win out next weekend to make it to the NCAAs as the automatic bid.

Defensive let down for Middlebury after their mid-week win at Williams?  Hard to believe that a team that outshoots Wesleyan 22-4 and has 8 attempts on target to Wesleyan's 3 SOGs would lose 2-0 in that fashion.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on October 27, 2012, 05:04:16 PM
IMO, Middlebury put itself on the bubble by losing, an early out does not help them. The selection committee does not always give two AQ's to the NESCAC. Also, I would not overlook Bowdoin.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 27, 2012, 05:24:44 PM
Batman and Robin shut out of the bat cave? Wesleyan plays Mr. Freeze and puts the caped crusaders on ice. Holy Cardinals!
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: machine54 on October 27, 2012, 05:42:44 PM
Not shocked that Wes pulled the upset. As noted in my earlier post (pre gotham city diversions) Wes made half time adjustments in their first game that shut down midd in the second half.  You stop batman and robin and take your chances that someone else beats you.  But where were the adjustments from Midd?  Midd's achilles heel all season has  been finishing in the attacking third. Lots of chances today as wes packed it in with the lead. Midd definitely on the fence in terms of the big dance - congrats to Wes
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 28, 2012, 11:55:27 AM
OK. Asking this question on the men's and women's thread:
What happens when Williamstown is hit with 2-3 inches of rain this week? Those fields are notorious for flooding, being next to a river and on the flood plain. Amherst hosts?
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: amh63 on October 28, 2012, 02:12:37 PM
Jump4Joy......good question.  Any change of location would be made by as late as Thursday based on an evaluation of the fields and hopefully the concern of the teams.  Storm impact could last past Wednesday in the NW part of the state.....as well as the storm coming in from the west.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on October 28, 2012, 07:08:08 PM
Perhaps my memory is incorrect, but at some recent point in time when Williams' fields were unplayable the games were moved to MCLA.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Ocean 1 on October 29, 2012, 09:14:01 AM
Yes...home games were moved to MCLA all last year after the last storm. Having said that, Williams also has a turf field assuming no scheduling conflicts with other home teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 29, 2012, 11:23:51 AM
Because they are scheduled to host the men's and the women's tourneys, if they use turf, they'll probably have to split between their own and the field at MCLA. Will NESCAC split the site of either tourney, allowing Williams to have their home field for the men and the women, thus creating a special schedule, or will the league insist on one site for each individual tourney as is tradition? If both semis have to be played at the same site (one could argue that playing at two different fields could give an unfair advantage to one team--i.e. Williams men play at home against Tufts, but Wesleyan plays at MCLA against Amherst), then who has to move off campus--the men or the women?

In the event of flooding, it seems like the easiest and fairest thing to do is move the whole shebang to Amherst!  ;D
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: frank uible on October 29, 2012, 12:54:25 PM
Williams has a synthetic turf lacrosse field with flood lights.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 29, 2012, 03:47:23 PM
Those "flood" lights might come in handy! Still, tough to get 4 games in on one field in one day. Reasonably, they won't start before 11 a.m. If you figure 2.5 hours between the start of one game and the start of another (that's without overtime), we're talking a night game where the loser might be one that gets on a bus to travel home after 9 p.m. Not sure NESCAC will go for it. Hopefully, the grass fields hold up well and don't get flooded. (Or, if they do, NESCAC has the sense to move the event to Amherst  ;D!)
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: frank uible on October 29, 2012, 06:02:05 PM
The only "long" (over 3 hour) NESCAC trips from Williamstown are the trips to Maine and possibly Conn College. There is only one such college in either of the two tournaments - that is Bowdoin. Surely the game in which Bowdoin plays can be scheduled early.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on October 29, 2012, 08:05:10 PM
Seriously, Williams will not give up home field.  They will find a way to make it work.  Amherst will NOT get a home game.  No AD would allow this to happen.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: frank uible on October 30, 2012, 03:36:48 AM
A non-professional indoors assessment in the dark (3:30 am) seems to indicate that rainfall in Williamstown has been modest (much less than one inch) with little or no wind damage. It is suspected that with a little possible cleanup of windblown debris the two Williams College pitches will on Saturday be at worst acceptable for play.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 30, 2012, 09:07:59 AM
Thanks for the update, FrankU. I hope you got some sleep last night! Stay dry. See you Saturday.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 31, 2012, 06:55:19 PM
Here are the NCAA regional rankings for New England, the final rankings before league championship weekend. This is the one that factors into seeding and host sites for NCAAs. Bowdoin will be hoping Wheaton wins its tournament to secure the automatic bid, leaving Bowdoin in good position to get an at-large bid. Go NESCAC!
   
1   Amherst       13-1-1   13-1-1
2   Middlebury       12-2-1   12-2-1
3   Wheaton (MA) 15-1-4   15-1-4
4   Williams       11-3-1   11-3-1
5   Bowdoin       11-3-1   11-3-1
6   Brandeis       12-4-2   12-4-2
7   MIT               13-3-1   13-3-1
8   Springfield       12-4-1   12-4-1
9   Westrn CT St   13-3-2   14-3-2
10   Westfield St    15-0-1   16-0-1
11   UMass-Boston 16-2   16-2
12   St. Joseph (CT)14-2-1   14-2-1

Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: machine54 on October 31, 2012, 07:20:31 PM
Doubtful that bowdoin makes big dance - hard to imagine committee taking 4 Nescac teams - but 11 wins in 15 games is quite impressive especially after losing co-player of year to graduation thought here is that bowdoin will have to run the table - but batman and robin look like they may ride again this year - midd still 11 nationally - panthers may even get a home pod
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Ocean 1 on November 01, 2012, 12:19:43 PM
Quote from: jc2 on October 25, 2012, 01:26:41 PM
Quote from: Ocean 1 on October 25, 2012, 11:27:22 AM
Quote from: machine54 on October 24, 2012, 07:24:25 PM
Batman and Robin combine to dismantle Williams. Seriously flawed gameplay/execution by the Ephs playing into what Midd likes to do best.  This is Midd's window of opportunity but Wesleyan will be a tough opponent and after making some adjustments played a great second half v. Midd when they met during the season. Should Midd advance loser of Amherst/Williams semi-final would appear to be in jeopardy of not receiving NCAA bid.

Two thoughts:

1. Let's not get too carried away here. No doubt Midd played a near perfect pressure game yesterday and the Ephs had some key defensive breakdowns. That happens in soccer as Midd can testify in its 1-0 loss to Conn this season. The fact that Midd has by far the highest percentage of Upperclassmen on its roster in NESCAC doesn't hurt either. Can you imagine if they don't win it all with this line-up?
2. If Williams-Amherst do in fact meet in the NESCAC semi's, doubtful that the loser will not make it in as an NCAA at-large pick. Logic is based on the current Regional Rankings (with one left to go) and the observation that conference round robin tournaments seem to have little influence at season-end on NCAA officials as they represent a small percentage of overall in-season play as an indicator of strength. Of course, when it comes to NCAA logic and rankings...who really knows.

Could you elaborate on this? Is there a strong correlation between a team winning and the number of seniors on the roster? Are seniors on average better players than younger players? What if the seniors don't start or are not impact players? What about a strong recruiting class behind the seniors?

Sorry for the delayed response. In this case, upperclassmen were considered as juniors and seniors. And, I've not done an exact correlation analysis over time...just an opinion, particularly at schools that seem to attract top talent...i.e., Williams, Midd and Amherst and that are typically in the NESCAC soccer hierarchy mix.

Opinion is based on perception that the longer a talented group plays together, the more cohesive/effective their game becomes over time, all other considerations (injuries, dissension, etc.) being equal. These all other considerations are always difficult to factor during a season. And, blending in talented newcomers with a talented veteran team makes a ton of sense.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on November 03, 2012, 11:49:32 AM
My picks.  My reach is that Bowdoin wins one to nothing. And Williams is too much at home and wins 3-1.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: amh63 on November 03, 2012, 04:10:47 PM
Amherst and Bowdoin goes into penalty kicks and the Panthers win the game 6-5 on PKs.  It was 3-3 at the end of the regular session.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: GUBFL on November 03, 2012, 06:17:38 PM
Sorry Amh63, but it is Bowdoin moving on to the finals.  Given the result 2 weeks ago, I huge upset for Bowdoin especially coming back from 2 goals down late in the game to get the tie.  Regardless of how the finals turn out should make things very interesting come NCAA selection time.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: 2xfaux on November 03, 2012, 06:33:47 PM
I think amh63 just got the Polar Bears mixed up with the Midd. Panthers.  If Bowdoin can beat Williams tomorrow (big if) you are right about a selection zoo.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 03, 2012, 09:28:42 PM
Wow. Two major upsets with Wes over Midd last weekend and Bowdoin advancing on PKs past Amherst today. The consolation for the Jeffs should be their position for an at large bid to NCAAs next weekend, given their #1 NCAA regional ranking heading into the seeding meeting for the NCAA tourney. Congrats to Bowdoin and Williams for making it to the finals.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on November 04, 2012, 08:37:39 AM
I do not think Bowdoin's chance at Williams is a big if. Bowdoin appears to be on a bit of a run, but Williams went down to the wire in what appeared to be an even game with Wes. I expect a close game, and would not be surprised with either Bowdoin or Williams winning.

And if anyone there at the game uses twitter, how about giving real time thoughts using the hashtag #nescacwsoccer.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on November 04, 2012, 12:29:47 PM
Can someone please explain, how does Williams AND Bowdoin score at 17:45.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: GUBFL on November 04, 2012, 05:51:11 PM
Congrats to Williams for another NESCAC title, but a tremendous showing for Bowdoin this weekend.  It seems in most years that the two NESCAC finalists end up making the NCAA with in some years a 3rd team making it, but this will be interesting to see what the NCAA does between Middlebury, Amherst and Bowdoin.  Don't think all three will go, wonder if Bowdoin did enough this weekend to make it at the expense of one of the other two?
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: maineman on November 04, 2012, 09:53:15 PM
Based on the NCAA ranking, it would appear that Amherst has the best chance of an AQ followed by Middlebury and then Bowdoin.  We'll all know on Monday at 1:30PM or so.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: machine54 on November 04, 2012, 10:21:34 PM
Williams is obviously in
Amherst will go
Midd has more wins than bowdoin   beat them in the regular season and has a higher regional ranking so midd before bowdoin but maybe they take bowdoin as well (midd has not been great their last five games) or perhaps neither
Remarkable job by williams after losing two great players to graduation but they get the best players so maybe no surprise after all.
Another choke job by amherst   Up two goals with twenty five to play   shades of their loss earlier in the season to Williams and in 2010 to midd up 3-0 with under 9 minutes to play only to lose to midd 4-3 in overtime.








Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: jc2 on November 04, 2012, 10:25:04 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vh4F-q9O4ts

This is a clip from the Amherst v Colby game last weekend. Shouldn't this have been a red card?

What's going on at Amherst? Can't believe Coach Hughes would condone this behavior.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: machine54 on November 04, 2012, 10:31:16 PM
Wheaton lost to springfield and looks like Hopkins lost to haver ford   Tomorrow should be very interesting
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: jc2 on November 05, 2012, 06:12:29 AM
In terms of the NCAA Regional Rankings,  games that go to PKs are counted as a tie, correct?
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on November 05, 2012, 10:08:47 AM
Will be interesting to see  what happens with the selections and whether four can get in the tournament.  Last time 4 (or more) were selected was in 2000 when I think 5 teams were in.  I agree that Amherst will get one of the ALB's, with Mid having an inside track on Bowdoin if only three are given, but Mid's losses to Conn and Wes (two low ranked teams) --combined with Bowdoin's strong finish could make this interesting.  Here is hoping that all four get in!

Lastly, that Amherst incident is atrocious.  The coach should have taken her off the field--and it was meritorious of a red card.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Ocean 1 on November 05, 2012, 10:28:45 AM
Quote from: jc2 on November 05, 2012, 06:12:29 AM
In terms of the NCAA Regional Rankings,  games that go to PKs are counted as a tie, correct?

Yes...I believe that is correct. As well as in NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: jc2 on November 05, 2012, 10:37:36 AM
Does the selection committee put more weight on championship tournament games or does it weigh all games equally? If it's more or less by the numbers, Bowdoin's great run this weekend only netted them two ties. This means their overall winning pct will drop and their winning pct against ranked teams will stay at .500. Their SOS will improve though. Similarly, Amherst's overall winning pct and record against ranked teams will decline with the tie on Saturday. Are they still the #1 ranked team in the New England region today?
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Ocean 1 on November 05, 2012, 10:41:02 AM
Quote from: GUBFL on November 04, 2012, 05:51:11 PM
Congrats to Williams for another NESCAC title, but a tremendous showing for Bowdoin this weekend.  It seems in most years that the two NESCAC finalists end up making the NCAA with in some years a 3rd team making it, but this will be interesting to see what the NCAA does between Middlebury, Amherst and Bowdoin.  Don't think all three will go, wonder if Bowdoin did enough this weekend to make it at the expense of one of the other two?

Had the opportunity to watch both Bowdoin games. Against Amherst...they were courageous. Against Williams...they were toe-to-toe. Two tired teams and some of the best NESCAC soccer I've seen. Clear that the new Bowdoin coach is having an impact.

Other observation is that with 62% of the Williams team composed of underclassmen (Frosh/Sophs) and 61% for Bowdoin...both teams should continue as forces in NESCAC soccer.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Ocean 1 on November 05, 2012, 10:48:22 AM
Quote from: jc2 on November 05, 2012, 10:37:36 AM
Does the selection committee put more weight on championship tournament games or does it weigh all games equally? If it's more or less by the numbers, Bowdoin's great run this weekend only netted them two ties. This means their overall winning pct will drop and their winning pct against ranked teams will stay at .500. Their SOS will improve though. Similarly, Amherst's overall winning pct and record against ranked teams will decline with the tie on Saturday. Are they still the #1 ranked team in the New England region today?

Found the attached link from D3 Soccer to be helpful in the analysis...http://www.d3soccer.com/columns/around-the-nation/2012/at-large-analysis-and-predictions
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Ocean 1 on November 05, 2012, 12:45:52 PM
For NCAA's and New England Region, automatic AQ's will go to the following 8 Conference Champs:
- CCC: Roger Williams
- GNAC: Lasell
- LEC: Mass. Boston
- MASCAC: Westfield St.
- NAC: Castleton
- NECC: Lesley
- NESCAC: Williams
- NEWMAC: Springfield

If the NCAA awards 4 of 20 Pool C at-large berths to the New England Region as they did in 2011, based on last Regional Rankings (RR) and weekend results, suggest the following 4 teams will also make the Big Dance:
- Amherst...#1 RR
- Middlebury...#2 RR
- Wheaton...#3 RR
- Toss-up between Bowdoin...#5 RR and Brandeis...#6 RR. But I'll go with Bowdoin based on the numbers... specifically results vs. regionally ranked teams.

Logic on at-large bids...these 5 have the highest numerical ratings of the remaining top regionally ranked candidates in N.E.:
                                W-L %     SOS     Results vs. Ranked Teams

Amherst                     0.900       0.584              0.700
Middlebury                  0.833       0.576              0.900
Wheaton                    0.826       0.539              0.643
Bowdoin                     0.735       0.580              0.563
Brandeis                     0.737       0.635              0.500

Other observation, strongest Strength-of-Schedule (SOS) in New England is Brandeis at 0.635 followed by Williams at 0.613...who also leads NESCAC in this category.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on November 05, 2012, 01:49:16 PM
Amherst, Middlebury & Bowdoin all get ALB's.  http://www.ncaa.com/news/soccer-women/article/2012-11-05/tournament-selections-unveiled
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Ocean 1 on November 05, 2012, 02:14:27 PM
Strong year for New England Region Pool C at-large bids as they receive a total of 7 vs. 4 in 2011. At-large bids are:
- Amhesrt
- Brandeis
- Bowdoin
- Middlebury
- MIT
- Western Connecticut
- Wheaton

Note: 4 NESCAC teams are in the Tournament. Question...among NESCAC who has the best bracket chances of advancing?
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: jc2 on November 06, 2012, 08:41:33 AM
If you use the D3soccer and NSCAA national polls as an assessment of relative team strength, it looks like Amherst has the easiest draw this weekend. They will not face a team ranked in the top 20 nationally in the first round. The other NESCAC teams all have top 20 teams in their groups. Williams probably has the second easist first round grouping of the NESCAC teams.

Should be an interesting and exciting weekend. Let's hope the weather cooperates.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: jc2 on November 06, 2012, 01:39:58 PM
The Amherst incident made the Huffington Post:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/06/emily-little-amherst-womens-soccer-face_n_2079049.html



The incident has also incited a lot of banter on the Talking Soccer website:
http://talking-soccer.com/TS4/showthread.php?t=96171
http://talking-soccer.com/TS4/showthread.php?t=96167
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: woacfan on November 06, 2012, 02:26:07 PM
Shoulda been a red card!
No place for that...
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on November 06, 2012, 03:26:23 PM
And espn has picked it up.  Been around the game many years and have never seen this.  Reflects poorly on Amherst.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/blog/_/...id/478?cc=5901
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Ocean 1 on November 06, 2012, 04:47:00 PM
Anyone have the story yet from Amherst? Surely they must have a reaction?
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: frank uible on November 06, 2012, 05:31:04 PM
Institutions tend to sweep things like that under the rug.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on November 06, 2012, 06:05:29 PM
I saw on another board that there may be a player suspension. In my opinion a one game suspension is meaningless.  It should be at least two games to get out of the home bracket.

Also, this has gone viral:  http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/world-of-sport/woman-footballer-hits-opponent-throw-twice-row-120706649.html
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Ocean 1 on November 07, 2012, 09:34:04 AM
Quote from: jc2 on November 06, 2012, 08:41:33 AM
If you use the D3soccer and NSCAA national polls as an assessment of relative team strength, it looks like Amherst has the easiest draw this weekend. They will not face a team ranked in the top 20 nationally in the first round. The other NESCAC teams all have top 20 teams in their groups. Williams probably has the second easist first round grouping of the NESCAC teams.

Should be an interesting and exciting weekend. Let's hope the weather cooperates.

Agree...and think all 4 NESCAC teams will make it into the Round of 32. After that, believe Bowdoin will fall to Ithaca but Williams, Amherst and Midd will advance to the Sweet 16 after this weekend.

Any other thoughts?
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: jc2 on November 07, 2012, 10:20:05 AM
My guess is that Williams and Amherst will advance to the sectionals without much difficulty. They both got favorable draws. As noted elsewhere, Middlebury has been playing quite erratically in recent weeks and will most likely lose to Misericordia who is ranked #10 nationally. Although they have had a great late season run, Bowdoin will probably lose to Ithaca on Sunday.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Gerrs on November 10, 2012, 10:45:03 AM
 ???One of this year's NECAC all-conference decisions seems particularly puzzling. Trinity's well-deserved rookie of the year was not also a choice for the first or second teams. For at least the past three years, ROYs have also been placed on t first or second teams, and this year's ROY seems as deserving as the past three given that she tied for first in goals and fifth in points while playing fewer games than the other leaders for a ninth-place team. (I think it's generally more difficult to score goals and acquire assists while playing for a weaker team.)

BTW. I do not know the ROY and am not a Trinity supporter.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: deiscanton on November 10, 2012, 12:54:26 PM

Lasell has upset Amherst 3-1 today.   Game has just gone final.

I was watching on Jeffcast.   Bridget Lynch had 2 2nd half goals for Lasell, while Amherst's lone goal came with approx 6 1/2 minutes remaining from Amanda Brisco.

Lasell will play the winner of Brandeis vs Union tomorrow.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on November 10, 2012, 04:34:43 PM
3 of 4 advance. What happened with Amherst, was it just one of those days?
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 11, 2012, 06:26:14 PM
Yes, one of those days when you out-possess and out-shoot a lesser team and have nothing to show for it. Lasell, on the other hand, couldn't miss. They executed their game plan well, played optimistic, and made it happen. Hats off to them. Amherst dearly missed their suspended starting back and the other starting back they lost early in the game.

It was a tough weekend for the NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Jim Matson on November 11, 2012, 10:53:18 PM
The Amherst men made up for it, at least a little bit.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: jc2 on November 12, 2012, 07:29:36 AM
Tough weekend for the NESCAC. None of the 4 teams advance to the next round.  :'(
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Ocean 1 on November 12, 2012, 11:00:52 AM
Quote from: Jim Matson on November 11, 2012, 10:53:18 PM
The Amherst men made up for it, at least a little bit.

As did the Williams men!
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on November 12, 2012, 10:28:16 PM
Hope ya'all enjoyed the season.  Too bad a NESCAC team could not get through.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: nescac1 on November 25, 2012, 08:05:10 AM
Story on an impressive Williams recruit: over 100 career goals, including 40 as a senior, in the large school division of Massachusetts soccer, I imagine she will be able to play early for the Ephs, who seemed to lack a big-time striker last season:
http://m.metrowestdailynews.com/wkdMetroWest/pm_32192/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=CtMsUfm0
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on November 26, 2012, 09:19:19 PM
Well that is interesting since the early decision notification date is not until December 15.  http://admission.williams.edu/apply/firstyear/earlydecision.
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: nescac1 on November 28, 2012, 06:28:21 AM
Giggs, ummm, that is how NESCAC recruiting works, for all schools.  Although there is never any guarantee, top notch recruits (aka TIPS) commit to apply E.D. to NESCAC schools as early as the summer, and are basically pre-screened by the coaches through admissions, who can then have a VERY good idea of the prospects for acceptance.  You see these sort of stories all the time about NESCAC athletes "committing" even though they are not technically accepted until December.  Each school gets between 66 (Williams, Amherst, Wesleyan) or 72 (the rest of NESCAC) total TIPS to spread among sports.  It's pretty rare for admissions NOT to come through in these situations, although not unheard of. 
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on December 03, 2012, 04:21:11 PM
Thanks N1.  I am familiar with Ivy and NESCAC practices, but it is a bit unseemly, and factually inaccurate to say that I have decided to go to Williams as though there is some sort of signing of a national letter of intent.  The only true commitment can come once an official offer of admission is made and accepted. 
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: nescac1 on December 03, 2012, 11:47:00 PM
Yeah, but athletes at every NESCAC school say it all the time, stories like this are reported throughout the early fall, across the league.  I don't think it's a big deal, if a coach tells you, you are in, to say, I'm planning on going to school
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on December 04, 2012, 06:57:27 PM
So is Williams playing by different rules. I will say again, until an offer of admission is made there is no commitment by  the institution.   See this link: http://www.nescac.com/admissions/admissions
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: nescac1 on December 05, 2012, 06:52:25 AM
Not sure how many times I have to repeat myself, Giggs, Williams is not playing by different rules, every NESCAC school operates this way, and no, nothing is formal until an athlete is formally accepted.  I could post 100 articles form the past few months, across various different sports in every NESCAC school, where prospective athletes say (or news reports announce) they are "committed" to attend a school.  All that means is (1) they agree to apply E.D., and if accepted, they will attend, and (2) in all likelihood, the coaches, who speak with admissions throughout the process, have been told that this particular athlete will almost surely be accepted, and then conveys that info informally to the athlete.  Read the basketball board, for example, and there are already loads of stories about athletes "committed" to NESCAC schools.  Reporters are not accustomed to covering D-3 athletics, so they don't really understand the nuances of reporting these type of decisions, which, no, are not formal, and not guarantees of anything until the athletes are accepted by admissions.  But it is very, very, very rare for a TIPPED athlete / top recruiting priority of a coach to be rejected after applying ED, once the coach gets the off the record wink and a nod from admissions that this person will be accepted.  All this does is basically level the playing field for NESCAC and other D-3 (not to mention D-1) schools, all of whom are able to either formally admit, or likewise let athletes know they will almost certainly be admitted, well in advance.  It does not violate any formal policy, but it is a way of coaches figuring out who their top recruiting priorities will be, and who to use their very limited TIPS (in most sports, only 1-2 slots per year) to push for in admissions. 
Title: Re: NESCAC 2012
Post by: Giggs on December 05, 2012, 09:16:01 AM
Just having a little fun, why so serious?  :D